𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐖𝐀𝐄𝐂

The Plenary of the Honorable House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Education & Public Administration to investigate claims regarding Liberian students residing in the country, those studying abroad and the outstanding financial obligations of the Liberian government to the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

Plenary’s decision was taken Thursday, 22 February 2024 during the 13th Day Sitting of the 1st Session predicated on a communication from Nimba County Electoral District 9 Rep. Hon. Taa Wongbe.

In his communication, Hon. Wongbe told his colleagues that many higher education authorities have instituted a requirement for local and foreign students to submit regional examination certificates in order to obtain university admissions.

According to the Nimba County Lawmaker,  approximately 1000 Liberian students currently studying and seeking admissions abroad, especially those in Rwanda, are being affected due to the inability of the relevant authorities to access their online results on WAEC’s website for verification purposes.

“Honorable Speaker, as you may be aware, many higher education authorities have instituted a requirement for local and foreign students to submit regional examination certificates in order to obtain University admissions”. He stated in his letter.

Hon. Wongbe also informed Plenary that the Joint President Transition Team’s reported that approximately 6.1 million United States Dollars is owed by the Liberian government to WAEC.

He said based on the report, USD 5.5 million is debt and $619,000 is for 2024.

He averred that the outstanding debt does not only reflect poorly on our government’s

financial management, but also undermine the integrity of the educational system and jeopardizes the future of our students.

He  believes that the intervention of the House’s plenary is essential in finding timely and effective solutions to these challenges.

The Education Committee will  probe the matter and report to plenary.