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Published on 2024-02-25 20:21:50
Research conducted by the Institute for Policy Evaluation and Research (IPER) has revealed alleged corruption at the Ministry of Education and public high schools in Bong and Lofa County. The focus of the research was on public schools’ registration fees, with the aim of identifying pressing issues in Liberia. Supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the study uncovered significant shortcomings in the accountability of registration fees.
During a program held in Monrovia on February 23, 2024, IPER Executive Director Jacob Flomo presented the findings of the research. He highlighted the absence of a written policy governing the collection, utilization, and management of registration fees in the country. In 2019, the Ministry of Education instructed all schools to collect registration fees and transfer them to a consolidated mobile money account managed at the ministry’s central office. However, there is no documentation outlining the policy’s details or the method for documenting and accounting for fees, leading to limited transparency in the collection and management process.
The research further revealed that public schools were charging extra fees beyond what was prescribed by the Ministry of Education in 2019. Respondents in the study reported being charged additional fees, with the combined amount exceeding L$ 10,000 per academic year for some participants. This practice goes against the guidelines set by the Ministry of Education and raises concerns about the misuse of funds.
Moreover, the report highlighted that schools fail to report their annual operations to the Ministry of Education through the District Education or County Education Officers. This lack of accountability could undermine the intended purpose of collecting registration fees and erode trust in the education system. The research also noted a lack of citizen involvement in school management decisions across Bong and Lofa County, indicating a disconnect between the community and educational institutions.
In light of these findings, IPER called for urgent reforms to address the corruption and mismanagement of registration fees in public schools. The organization urged the Ministry of Education to establish clear policies and procedures for fee collection, ensure transparency in financial transactions, and hold schools accountable for reporting their operations. Additionally, IPER recommended increasing citizen participation in school governance to foster transparency and accountability.
Overall, the research conducted by IPER shed light on systemic issues within the education system in Liberia, particularly regarding the collection and management of registration fees. By exposing these challenges, the organization hopes to spark meaningful change and improve the quality of education for students in Bong and Lofa County. Only through increased transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement can Liberia’s education system fulfill its potential and provide a brighter future for its youth.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
