Grand Kru Education Officer Calls for Urgent Salary Reform for Teachers

By Christian Appleton

Pleebo, Maryland County – Grand Kru County Education Officer Mr. Josiah Sloh Nagbe has underscored the urgent need for salary reform and better incentives for teachers across Liberia, citing the persistent challenges faced by educators nationwide. 

Speaking over the weekend during the 7th Graduation Convocation of the LICOCESS College of Education, Maryland County Chapter, Mr. Nagbe described teachers as the “pillars of nation-building” and emphasized that the Government of Liberia must take immediate action to improve their welfare. 

“Teachers continue to make sacrifices, but these sacrifices have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is negatively affecting the teaching profession,” Mr. Nagbe said. 

He pledged to work collaboratively with fellow education officers, the Ministry of Education, and the national government to advocate for improved salaries and incentives that reflect the critical role teachers play in shaping Liberia’s future. 

“A nation cannot develop in the absence of trained and qualified classroom instructors,” he stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize education sector reforms. 

In a related development, LICOCESS College of Education has officially broken ground for the construction of its main campus in Pleebo, Maryland County. The project will include 16 classrooms, 21-bedroom accommodations for students and teachers, and a multi-purpose hall to enhance learning and comfort.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, LICOCESS National President Dr. Benjamin Yele Wehye praised the Maryland branch of the institution for its resilience and commitment to education. He noted that since its establishment in Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties, LICOCESS has remained operational and continues to grow. 

Dr. Wehye also used the occasion to launch the Associate Degree program of the college in Pleebo. He announced that LICOCESS will now offer AA degrees in Mathematics, Social Sciences, English, and other disciplines. 

“The expansion of our academic offerings is made possible by the quality of instructors we have — many of whom hold master’s and PhD degrees,” Dr. Wehye noted.

The developments mark a significant milestone in advancing teacher education and improving educational infrastructure in southeastern Liberia.