Hundreds of students from the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) on Tuesday blocked major roads in Monrovia to protest the prolonged absence of teachers who have been engaged in a go-slow over salary and welfare concerns.
The protesting students demanded urgent government intervention, insisting that they would only engage with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Vice President, or the President of Liberia.
The protest followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the MCSS Students’ Union, which accused the government and relevant education authorities of failing to adequately address issues affecting teaching and learning across the school system.
The students later presented a formal petition to the 55th House of Representatives, where it was referred to the House Committee on Claims and Petitions and immediately placed on the legislative agenda for consideration.
In their petition dated October 20, 2026, the students outlined four major demands, including the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the government and MCSS on March 27, 2026.
They said unresolved issues surrounding teachers’ welfare continue to deprive students of valuable instructional time, calling for the government to fulfill its outstanding commitments and restore normal academic activities across the system.
“Students must not continue to suffer because of unresolved disputes,” the petition stated, while acknowledging the importance of addressing teachers’ welfare concerns.
The students also demanded the dismissal of MCSS Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Kyne Robertson over allegations of inciting students, disrupting classes, and threatening students.
The Union further raised concerns about an alleged incident involving individuals reportedly sent to attack its president, calling on the government and the Ministry of Education to investigate the claims and ensure the safety of students and student leaders.
The allegations against Robertson have not been independently verified.
Beyond the teachers’ go-slow and administrative concerns, the students accused some MCSS administrators of drawing students into internal disputes, warning that schools must not become platforms for advancing personal, administrative, or political interests.
They called on school administrators to resolve their disagreements through dialogue and established procedures, while respecting the independence of the Students’ Union and legitimate student leadership.
The fourth demand focuses on increased budgetary allocation to MCSS to address longstanding infrastructure and learning challenges.
Although the Union acknowledged ongoing renovation work at Boatswain Junior and Senior High School, G.W. Gibson Senior High School, and Matilda Newport Junior High School, it said several other schools continue to face inadequate classrooms, insufficient furniture, poor infrastructure, and shortages of essential learning facilities.
The students called for additional funding to support school renovations, improve sanitation, provide learning materials, and create safer learning environments. They also urged greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds allocated to education.
The Union said its initial ultimatum was issued in good faith to give the government an opportunity to respond before further action was taken. However, with the deadline expiring on Tuesday, the students proceeded with their protest to press for immediate intervention.
The petition concluded with an appeal to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Education, and the MCSS Central Office to address the concerns in the interest of students and the future of public education.
The protest comes amid growing concerns over lost instructional time and the impact of unresolved teachers’ welfare issues on students across the Monrovia Consolidated School System.
