By: Hogkins Tokpah
Grand Bassa County — Tension is brewing within the local education system of Grand Bassa after the suspension of Gorblee High School Principal Noemi Nagbe sparked allegations of administrative misconduct and violation of Liberia’s Education Law
The controversy centers on District Education Officer (DEO) Philip Wrogbo, who is accused of acting outside his authority by suspending and fining Principal Nagbe without proper procedural approval.
Cyrus Julius Jones, a prominent citizen of Wee Statutory District, has strongly criticized the DEO’s actions, arguing that Wrogbo “overstepped his administrative boundaries” and disregarded key sections of the nation’s Education Code.
According to Jones, the law clearly states that disciplinary measures against school administrators or teachers must follow a due process — beginning with an investigation and recommendations forwarded to the County Education Officer (CEO). Only the CEO or a higher authority within the Ministry of Education, he noted, holds the power to enforce such penalties.
Jones further pointed out that the L$150,000 fine levied against Principal Nagbe was both “unauthorized and illegal,” describing it as a clear case of administrative overreach. “The DEO bypassed the chain of command and acted unilaterally, which undermines accountability and proper governance within the education sector,” he said.
The DEO’s office, however, has defended its decision, asserting that Principal Nagbe violated Ministry regulations by unilaterally increasing graduation fees without approval. The DEO reportedly described the fee hike as “unjustified and inconsistent” with financial management policies governing public schools.
Opinions in the community remain divided. Some residents have commended DEO Wrogbo for taking swift action to curb what they view as financial misconduct, while others, including Jones, are demanding his immediate dismissal and the reinstatement of Principal Nagbe.
The County Education Officer has since told Verity News of not consenting to the principal’s suspension but is expected to intervene in the matter in the coming days.
As the dispute unfolds, residents and education stakeholders are being urged to remain calm and await official clarification.
