The much-anticipated 14th Circle Graduation of the Monrovia Vocational Training Institute (MVTC) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday when students disrupted the event over claims of mismanagement and the absence of promised graduation souvenirs.
MVTC, a government-run institution under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is tasked with equipping young Liberians with technical and vocational skills. What began as a celebration quickly spiraled into disorder after graduates accused administrators of failing to deliver on commitments.
More than 100 students voiced frustration, saying they each paid US$70 for a package that was to include a protective gear set, helmet, and a souvenir. Instead, many received only partial items, while others said they got nothing at all. Complaints also centered on a lack of seating for the more than 1,200 graduates and guests in attendance.
Anger escalated into vandalism as protesters destroyed chairs, tables, and the podium, forcing several guests to leave the ceremony prematurely.
“No proper planning, no leadership. We paid US$70 for this souvenir, but all we got was PPE. Many of our colleagues didn’t even get theirs,” one disgruntled graduate told reporters.
Another graduate directly criticized MVTC’s leadership, accusing Director Wilfred Payne of failing to act in the best interest of students. “Here, there is no director. You can see how disorganized this program is,” the graduate said.
Government presence at the event was minimal. The Deputy Minister for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Laraamand Nyonton, was absent, and efforts to reach him for comment proved unsuccessful. The program’s keynote speaker, Cornelina Kruah, Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, also failed to attend. Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu and other senior officials were likewise missing from the ceremony.
What was meant to be a day of celebration for Liberia’s future workforce ended in chaos, leaving graduates disillusioned and questioning the leadership of the institution.
