By Lewis S. Teh
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia, through the ministries of education and finance and development planning, has announced plans to construct more than 100 schools nationwide beginning this year, reaffirming its commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.
The announcement was made by Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, during the ongoing “Deep Dives” sessions organized by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), aimed at boosting efficiency and delivery across ministries, agencies, and commissions.
Dr. Jallah disclosed that the World Bank’s US$90 million Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) project will support not only the construction of new schools but also expansion of Liberia’s digital learning infrastructure.
She described the initiative as a transformative step toward closing long-standing gaps in education infrastructure, emphasizing government’s dual focus on access and quality.
“Our mission is not just about access but about quality,” she said. “From constructing new schools to renovating existing ones and providing digital tools for learning, we are shaping a better future for Liberia’s children.”
In her update to the MFDP team, Minister Jallah shared key progress in the education sector. Over 2,000 volunteer teachers have been formally added to the government payroll, as part of a broader effort to address labor challenges in the sector.
Additionally, 156 public schools have been equipped with computer labs through the IRIS Project, and 28 science labs are nearing completion, with 50 more planned under the government’s Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP).
The Minister also highlighted new digital initiatives, including an ongoing internet access mapping exercise in collaboration with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
A mobile application developed by young Liberian tech innovators is being piloted in five counties, helping more than 2,000 students prepare for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) an initiative that is supported by UNICEF and regional partners.
Also speaking, Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan commended the Education Ministry’s efforts, particularly Dr. Jallah’s role in finalizing the EXCEL Project agreement with the World Bank.
He noted that the government’s strategy balances infrastructure development with improvements in educational quality through teacher training and technology integration.
“The reforms are both exciting and impactful. Education is the bedrock of inclusive development, and the initiatives we are supporting—whether in Nimba, Bong, Margibi, or teacher colleges in Kakata, Zorzor, and Webbo – are investments in Liberia’s future”, Minister Ngafuan said.
The “Deep Dives” session is part of a broader inter-ministerial initiative to identify sector-specific challenges, assign clear responsibilities, and set measurable targets to accelerate progress.
Ngafuan underscored the need for sustained accountability and collaboration to achieve the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“If we are planning for a lifetime, we must educate our children. Liberia’s future is in the classroom”, he emphasized.
Both ministers reiterated their alignment with President Joseph Boakai’s national vision, which places human capital development, particularly education at the heart of Liberia’s development strategy.
The ongoing reforms aim to reduce poverty, promote equity, and empower future generations through inclusive, quality education. Editing by Jonathan Browne
