New Education Policy in Liberia: A Step Towards Academic Excellence and Accountability
In a recent move aimed at raising the country’s educational standards, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), has introduced a new policy in Secondary School Education. The policy compels all 9th graders to pass both the School and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exam administered to Junior High Schools as the prerequisite for transitioning to the Senior High Division at all High Schools across the Country.
Madam Mariama Z. Brown, the principal of the Mother Tegeste Stewart Apostolic Pentecostal School in Brewerville, commended the Ministry of Education for the directive, stating that it is a step towards ensuring academic excellence and accountability. "The recent directive from the Ministry of Education regarding the promotion of students from ninth to tenth grade based on the West African Examination Council results is indeed a step towards ensuring academic excellence and accountability," she said.
However, Madam Brown also noted that the directive was abrupt, as there was no prior awareness and preparation, posing challenges for both students and school authorities. She emphasized that such critical policy changes from the Ministry require adequate time for comprehensive awareness and implementation. "However, the abruptness of this decision without prior awareness and preparedness has posed challenges for our students and educators alike," she said.
Despite the challenges, Madam Brown pledged her institution’s commitment to acting in line with the ministry’s policy, urging authorities of other schools to be law-abiding. She also called on the school’s graduates to remain focused, noting that education is the bedrock of every nation.
The new policy is expected to raise the country’s educational standards and ensure academic excellence and accountability. As the country moves forward with this new initiative, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including students, educators, and school authorities, work together to ensure its success.
