Higher Education in Liberia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Higher Education in Liberia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Authors:	Mason, Melvin J. Tokpa, Henrique F. Gongar, E. Othello Mason, Ansu G.
Year:	1993
Periodical:	Liberian Studies Journal
Volume:	28
Issue:	1
Pages:	1-20
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Liberia
Subjects:	higher education Education and Oral Traditions
Abstract:	This paper reviews higher education in Liberia before the civil war broke out in December 1989 and recommends ways in which the higher education system, in its task of quality human resource development, can be more functional in the future Third Republic. The higher education systems in Africa have experienced enormous problems over the past twenty years. The most crucial problems of Liberian universities include financial and management problems; contrasting perceptions of the State and the tertiary institutions themselves of the relevance of higher education; and the poor quality of university education. Teacher training institutes and vocational/technical educational institutions also have performed poorly. A key element in ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of higher education in Liberia is the National Commission of Higher Education which was established by law in 1989, but has not been operational yet. Due to the war, higher education is presently nonoperational in Liberia. Methods for developing a well-structured and well-managed tertiary education system in the country are suggested in conclusion. App., bibliogr.