Monrovia, Liberia: In what is seen as a new chapter of the National Association of Liberian School Principals, Darric Dennis, newly inducted President of the National Association of Liberian School Principals has vowed to lead the organization into a new era of reform, unity and innovation aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges in the country’s education sector.
The National Association of Liberian School Principals (NALSP) over the weekend held its 9th Induction Ceremony under the theme “Pioneering Change: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact,” ushering in a new chapter of visionary leadership in the education sector.
The occasion brought together education stakeholder as the association, including a representative of the Ministry of Education, and Counties representatives of the association.
In his inaugural address, newly inducted National President Mr. Derric Dennis expressed deep humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him by the association’s members.
“I see this inauguration not as a mere ceremony, but a call to lead with wisdom, to listen with humility, and to serve with dedication,” Mr. Dennis declared.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Election Committee, Convention Officials, and the dedicated delegates from all 14 counties who, in some cases, journeyed long distances under difficult conditions to attend the event.
The new NALSP President described the Liberian education system as being at a critical crossroads, citing numerous systemic challenges that cut across both public and private institutions. These include. Low teacher capacity in Early Childhood and Physical Education programs, especially in rural areas, inadequate teaching and learning materials, a high number of under-trained or unqualified secondary school teachers, shortage of qualified school administrators, outdated teaching methods with minimal technology integration, overcrowded classrooms and over-aged students, poor reading culture among students, lack of consistent professional development for school leaders, weak community involvement among others.
Despite these hurdles, Mr. Dennis expressed optimism to changing the narrative, thus calling on members to view the challenges as opportunities to rewrite Liberia’s education story through innovation, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment. “Our system is weak. Therefore, we need strong, selfless, and visionary leadership that collaborates, sacrifices, and dares to act,” he stated.
He envisions a unified, inclusive, and impactful NALSP that builds members’ capacity through conferences, workshops, and professional development, supports students with WAEC and WASSCE preparation programs, conducts evidence-based research to inform national education policy, advocates boldly, leads ethically, collaborates widely, embraces innovation, and promotes data-driven reforms.
Seeking sustainability for the Association, Mr. Dennis asked the Ministry of Education to mandate NALSP receipts as a requirement for operational permits, suggesting that such a policy would encourage member compliance and strengthen the association.
He called on members to recommit to excellence, accountability, and unity, not merely as colleagues but as a “family of educators connected by a shared purpose.”
He underscored the need for collective responsibility “Ask not what the association can do for you, but what you can do for the association.”
Mr. Dennis highlighted that since the founding of NALSP on March 16, 1965, the association has still operated without a permanent office space. He called for logistical support and strategic partnerships with NGOs and development institutions to strengthen NALSP and improve Liberia’s education system.
Serving as proxy guest speaker at the occasion, Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services at the Ministry of Education Hon. Sona T. Sesay, on behalf of Education Minister Dr. Jarso Marley Jallah challenged the new leadership to champion inclusiveness embrace innovation and foster academic excellence in Liberia’s evolving educational sphere.
“I admonished you to be unwavering in your integrity, resolute in your pursuit, and compassionate in all your action,” Minister Sesay charge the new leadership.
She expressed optimism about the incoming president’s leadership, highlighting his proven track record and commitment to professional development and collaboration among principals. She emphasized that school leadership requires vision, empathy, and the ability to inspire excellence, noting that principals are central to shaping school culture and promoting student well-being.
Minister Sesay called for a service-oriented leadership model, one rooted in humility, engagement, and advocacy for equitable educational opportunities. She also underscored the pressing challenges in the education system, including a lack of qualified teachers, over-aged students, inadequate school data, and the harmful effects of unqualified personnel on student outcomes.
Looking ahead, she urged stakeholders to embrace a courageous, inclusive, and ambitious vision for education, one that integrates technology, promotes lifelong learning, and prepares students not just academically, but also as responsible global citizens.
For his part, Outgoing President Dr. Benjamin Wehye emphasized integrity in leadership “Build trust, always clarify, never take what isn’t yours, speak the truth even before Ministers, propose real solutions, and uphold academic standards.” he admonished the New President.
He stressed the need for education leaders to champion reform with courage and vision, even when it’s unpopular “Everyone wants students to graduate, even those who fail. But we must stand for academic integrity.”
Mr. Darric Dennis’ election as President of the NALPS, automatically makes him a Councilman on both the local and International Boards of the West African Examination Council according to WAEC boss Dale Gbotoe.
