By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, October 20, 2026 – The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) Students’ Union are demanding that the government takes concrete steps toward resolving the prolonged teachers’ dispute, warning that continued classroom disruptions threaten the education of thousands of public school students.
Students’ Union President Sekou B. Siryon issued the ultimatum during a press conference on Monday, October 19, demanding full implementation of the March 27, 2025, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and the MCSS Teachers’ Association.
“Education cannot be a priority in speeches and forgotten when it is time to act,” Siryon declared, urging the government to translate its education commitments into concrete action.
The union set Tuesday, October 20, as the deadline for authorities to address outstanding teachers’ grievances and facilitate their return to classrooms.
According to Siryon, the unresolved dispute has deprived students of valuable instructional time since the beginning of the academic year, with some remaining at home while others report to schools without receiving lessons.
He maintained that students should not suffer the consequences of disagreements between teachers and government authorities.
Besides demanding implementation of the MOU, the union called for increased budgetary allocations to MCSS schools, citing deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate learning materials and poor classroom conditions.
While acknowledging ongoing renovation works at some public schools, the students insisted that additional investment is necessary to create a conducive learning environment.
The ultimatum comes amid months of tensions between the MCSS Teachers’ Association and government authorities over salary adjustments, employment status and payroll commitments.
On March 17, teachers protested at the MCSS central office over unpaid salaries and unresolved employment concerns.
Another protest followed on August 20, when teachers demanded the removal of then-Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens over concerns about payroll commitments and the treatment of volunteer teachers.
The association alleged that some qualified volunteer teachers had remained off the government payroll despite years of service, while MCSS authorities cited ongoing payroll verification and processing.
On September 8, teachers launched another go-slow, arguing that repeated engagements with the government had failed to produce satisfactory results.
The dispute subsequently triggered student demonstrations, with hundreds of learners from several MCSS schools taking to the streets on Bushrod Island on October 14 to demand the return of their teachers.
Students from D. Tweh Memorial High School and Boatswain High School were among those who protested prolonged classroom disruptions.
The demonstrators expressed frustration over lost instructional time and warned that continued interruptions could undermine their academic progress.
Siryon said the Students’ Union would consult student leaders and the wider student body to determine its next course of action if the government failed to respond within the stipulated period.
The union maintained that restoring normal classroom activities must remain an urgent priority to prevent further disruption of students’ education.
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