Monrovia, Liberia – In an open letter, former presidential candidate and Liberian People’s Party (LPP) Political leader, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has appealed to President Joseph N. Boakai to abolish graduation fees across all levels of education in Liberia. Citing the financial strain these fees place on families and the broader impact on educational equity, Gongloe urged immediate executive action to relieve parents, guardians, and students of this burden.
Addressed to President Boakai, Gongloe’s letter highlights the mounting hardship faced by Liberian families required to pay graduation fees for their children’s educational milestones.
Sharing the story of a mother in Paynesville, he illustrated how a season intended to celebrate academic accomplishments has become instead a source of distress.
“Instead of celebrating achievements, many families are left anxious and unhappy,” Gongloe wrote, emphasizing that eradicating this fee would bring “immense relief to countless Liberians.”
In his letter, Gongloe drew attention to a time in Liberia’s past, particularly the 1960s and 1970s, when the nation’s economy was more robust, supported by thriving sectors like mining, logging, agriculture, and manufacturing. During these years, graduation fees were non-existent despite a flourishing economy.
He highlighted that the country’s industries created jobs and provided disposable income for many families, which, he argued, points to an irony: “At a time of extreme job scarcity, the government is permitting the imposition of graduation fees as a pre-condition for graduation.”
The former candidate’s reference to Liberia’s industrial past underscored his belief that graduation fees are an unnecessary and exploitative practice today, given the current economic hardships faced by most Liberians. He argued that Liberia’s financial challenges now call for policies that lessen the financial load on families rather than add to it.
Further strengthening his argument, Gongloe underscored that the imposition of graduation fees contradicts Liberia’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to education for all citizens.
He referenced Article 6, which obligates the government to ensure equal access to education, and argued that graduation fees create an educational barrier for students from lower-income families. Gongloe also cited Liberia’s commitment to international human rights treaties affirming education as a basic human right.
“The Constitution recognizes education as a fundamental right,” he stated. “This right is compromised for those who cannot afford graduation fees, thus contradicting the principles enshrined in our Constitution.”
Gongloe’s appeal to President Boakai is not merely a critique but a call to action. He suggested that by issuing an executive order to abolish graduation fees, Boakai would address a significant public concern and reaffirm his administration’s dedication to social equity. Such a move, Gongloe contended, would alleviate the struggles faced by Liberian families and support a more inclusive educational environment.
“Your leadership in eliminating this fee would bring immense relief,” Gongloe noted. He called on President Boakai to use his executive powers to end what he deems an unfair financial barrier to education, affirming that this action would serve as an example of responsive and empathetic governance.
In choosing to make his letter public, Gongloe sought not only to appeal directly to President Boakai but also to engage the Liberian public in a discussion about educational costs. This open letter has already garnered attention from citizens, particularly parents and education advocates, who see graduation fees as an undue burden on families. Many Liberians are now watching closely to see how the Boakai administration will respond to this plea.
As Liberia grapples with economic challenges and widespread unemployment, Gongloe’s letter may prove to be a pivotal moment in shaping the country’s education policy. Should President Boakai heed this appeal, Liberia could join other nations in reducing or eliminating school-related fees, thereby strengthening educational access and aligning with its constitutional and international obligations.
