By Archie Boan
The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has announced the start of a nationwide assessment aimed at reviewing and strengthening Liberia’s free tuition policy at public higher education institutions.
The exercise, led by NCHE Executive Director Dr. Cecelia Cassell, will take place from May 11 to May 29, 2026, and will involve visits to public universities and colleges across the country.
According to the Commission, the assessment is intended to gather information that will help improve the implementation and long-term sustainability of the government’s free tuition program.
During the tour, a technical team from the Commission will meet with university administrators, faculty members, and students to discuss the impact of the policy, challenges faced by institutions, and possible solutions for improving the system.
Speaking ahead of the exercise, Dr. Cassell stressed the importance of gathering accurate information to guide future decisions on higher education.
“The findings will serve as an essential evidence base to guide strategic decision-making and ensure that the policy is operationalized in a manner that upholds quality, equity, and fiscal responsibility,” Dr. Cassell stated.
The Commission said the assessment is intended to ensure that efforts to increase access to higher education do not affect academic standards, institutional operations, or the financial stability of public universities and colleges.
In recent years, concerns have been raised about overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and funding difficulties linked to the free tuition policy.
The NCHE believes the nationwide assessment will help identify these challenges and provide recommendations to improve the program.
The initiative is also among Dr. Cassell’s first major engagements with public higher education institutions since taking over leadership of the Commission.
Her return to Liberia follows her participation in the Liberian Studies Association Conference in the United States, where she served as a panelist and held discussions with members of the Chicago State University community on higher education issues.
The NCHE, whose motto is “Promoting Quality & Equal Higher Education Opportunities,” says the exercise reflects the government’s continued focus on improving the country’s higher education sector through careful planning and informed decision-making.
Stakeholders across the education sector are expected to follow the outcome of the assessment closely, as its findings could influence the future direction of Liberia’s free tuition policy.
