In a sweeping move to restore credibility and standards in Liberia’s higher education sector, the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has released a comprehensive list of 31 unauthorized tertiary institutions operating illegally across the country, ordering their immediate closure.
The announcement comes as part of NCHE’s heightened efforts to sanitize the academic landscape and shield students from being exploited by unregulated programs that issue unrecognized diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even PhDs.
In its public notice, the Commission cited these institutions for flagrant violations of the Higher Education Law of Liberia, which mandates all tertiary institutions to seek full accreditation before offering academic programs.
“These institutions are not recognized by the Government of Liberia through the NCHE and therefore lack the authority to confer academic degrees,” the Commission’s release stated.
The affected institutions cut across various sectors including health sciences, theology, management, and journalism, and were reportedly operating without any formal oversight from the Ministry of Education or the NCHE.
Notable Institutions Ordered Shut Down:
Mertu Institute of Health and Laboratory Sciences – 72nd Junction, Paynesville
Christ Laborers School System – Pipeline Road, Paynesville
Great Commission Christian University – Pipeline Road, Paynesville
Elizabeth Medical Institute of Health Sciences – Mount Barclay
Faith College of Professional Studies – Jacob’s Town, Paynesville
Millennium Institute of Health Sciences – Congo Town
Gonet Academy – Cooper Road, Paynesville
Monrovia Open Bible College – Sinkor ACIDA
Christian College – Ganta, Nimba County
Liberty Theological Seminary – 15th & 16th Streets, Monrovia
Professional Journalism School of Liberia (PJSL) – GSA Road, Paynesville
Sabenqa School of Travel and Tourism – Gurley Street
Elizabeth Medical Health Center – Mount Barclay
Leemor V School of Health Assistant – Morris’ Farm
Vision Art Institute – Capitol Bypass
New Dimension Theological Seminary – St. Peter High School, Paynesville
The NCHE has advised all current students enrolled in these schools to immediately discontinue their studies and contact the Commission for guidance on how to transfer to accredited institutions.
Public Warning and Ongoing Investigation
In a stern warning to the public, NCHE Executive Director Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor stressed that the Commission will not relent in identifying and shutting down all unaccredited colleges or universities operating illegally in Liberia.
“This is just the beginning. We are committed to safeguarding the future of our students and the integrity of our national education system,” Dr. Wonkeryor said.
The Commission also urged employers and scholarship bodies to carefully verify academic credentials to ensure degrees presented are from legally accredited institutions.
A Long-Awaited Clean-Up
Liberia’s higher education sector has long faced criticism for lax regulation, leading to a proliferation of “degree mills” issuing certificates with little to no academic merit. The NCHE’s latest move is being welcomed by education stakeholders as a much-needed clean-up effort.
While the closures may create disruption for affected students, education advocates believe it is a necessary step toward ensuring academic quality and international credibility.
The Commission has indicated that further enforcement actions are underway and that a new national accreditation database will soon be launched to help students and parents easily verify the status of any institution.
As the education reform push gains traction, the message from NCHE is clear: Unauthorized institutions will no longer be tolerated in Liberia’s academic landscape.
