Liberian senator questions education ministry's centralized system
Senator Prince Kermue Moye argues the Ministry of Education's central control weakens county officials' authority over teachers and payroll.
Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye has criticized the Ministry of Education's centralized administrative system, stating it undermines the authority of County Education Officers (CEOs) to manage teachers. Moye, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, argued that this setup prevents CEOs from disciplining, transferring, or taking administrative action against underperforming teachers, potentially harming accountability and educational quality. He cited an instance in Bong County where a principal recruitment took nearly two years, illustrating administrative delays.
Moye also expressed frustration over the continued reliance on volunteer teachers, despite budgetary allocations meant to place them on the government payroll. He noted that inadequate staffing, particularly in rural areas, remains a significant challenge, with some schools lacking sufficient teachers. Constituents across Bong County have repeatedly raised the issue of volunteer teachers during his engagements, highlighting the persistent problem of unfilled teaching positions.
Meanwhile, the government announced plans to place 201 volunteer teachers from the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) on the national payroll effective October 2026, with outstanding arrears to be settled after October salaries are paid. This brings the total verified MCSS volunteer teachers on the payroll to 409. The government also pledged to consider salary adjustments for currently employed MCSS teachers under a broader public-sector reform aimed at addressing disparities and promoting equity.
Why it mattersLiberian students and teachers are affected by a centralized education system that hinders timely administrative decisions and delays the payment of volunteer teachers.