Bong County, Liberia – Liberia’s Minister of Education, Jarso Maley Jallah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing higher education standards across West Africa, pledging full support for regional cooperation in quality assurance.
The statement was made during the official opening of the second annual conference of the West African Anglophone Quality Assurance Network (WAAQAN), hosted at Cuttington University in Suakoko, Bong County. The event brought together education policymakers, academics, and quality assurance experts from across the sub-region to deliberate on strengthening higher education systems.
Minister Jallah described Liberia’s hosting of the gathering as both “an honour and a responsibility,” noting that Cuttington University itself symbolizes resilience and excellence in the face of adversity. She emphasized that the conference’s theme—improving higher education institutions’ ecosystem through quality assurance—is not only timely but also vital in shaping the future of education in West Africa.
Highlighting challenges faced by students, Minister Jallah drew attention to the recurring concerns about international recognition of degrees and the transferability of credits across national borders. She stressed that such questions strike “at the very heart of higher education’s purpose—not just to impart knowledge, but to build confidence, expand opportunities, and foster trust in the system.”
Reviewing progress made over the past decade, the Education Minister pointed to the establishment of national accreditation bodies, institutional self-assessment mechanisms, and regional cooperation frameworks as key achievements. However, she cautioned that significant challenges persist. According to her, three major gaps continue to affect higher education systems in the region:
Curriculum Relevance: Many university programs are not sufficiently aligned with labour market demands, leaving graduates underprepared for real-world employment opportunities.
Institutional Capacity: National quality assurance agencies often lack the technical and human resources needed to effectively carry out their mandates.
Equity and Integrity: Issues of access, fairness, and academic honesty remain widespread concerns that threaten the credibility of higher education.
To close these gaps, Minister Jallah outlined three regional strategies that she believes will strengthen the education ecosystem:
Capacity Building and Peer Review: Strengthening institutions by training personnel, fostering collaboration, and encouraging peer evaluation among universities across borders.
Reliable Data and Benchmarking: Developing robust data systems to support evidence-based decision-making, improve transparency, and build trust among stakeholders.
Industry Linkages and Applied Research: Ensuring that higher education is connected to real-world opportunities by encouraging partnerships with industry and prioritizing research that addresses regional development needs.
The Minister further assured participants that Liberia is actively working to align its policies with regional quality assurance standards. She noted that the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Commission on Higher Education, is implementing reforms aimed at harmonizing national frameworks with those of the wider region.
“Liberia stands firmly with our regional partners in the quest for excellence in higher education. By building systems that inspire confidence and trust, we will not only prepare our young people for the future but also contribute meaningfully to West Africa’s development,” she said.
The WAAQAN conference is expected to end with a roadmap for deepening collaboration among West African institutions, setting stronger benchmarks for quality assurance, and ensuring that higher education across the sub-region remains globally competitive.
