The NCHE has released a groundbreaking report detailing the outcome of a nationwide quality assurance assessment of Liberia’s higher education institutions (HEIs) Tuesday, uncovering severe deficiencies that could lead to the suspension or permanent closure of dozens of institutions.
The assessment, launched in November 2024, was conducted as part of NCHE’s statutory mandate to regulate, supervise, and accredit higher education in the country.
Currently, 79 institutions are recognized as licensed, chartered, or accredited across Liberia’s 12 counties, while more than 30 others remain unrecognized and are considered non-compliant.
“The exercise aimed to transform Liberia’s higher education landscape to ensure academic excellence and alignment with the nation’s development priorities under the ARREST Agenda,” the NCHE Executive Director said. “Our focus was on verifying institutional integrity, academic standards, and sustainability.
“We found widespread problems ranging from poor infrastructure and unqualified staff to fake academic credentials and unauthorized programs.”
The assessment covered a broad spectrum of institutional operations, including governance, faculty qualifications, academic programming, student services, research activity, infrastructure, and financial management. Investigators conducted interviews with institutional leaders, inspected physical facilities, and reviewed administrative and academic records.
Key findings revealed that many institutions lack basic facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and functional restrooms. Additionally, numerous colleges and universities were cited for employing unqualified staff, operating with fake academic credentials, and introducing academic programs without NCHE approval. Many have also failed to pay mandatory regulatory fees or present strategic development plans.
Based on the findings, NCHE categorized institutions into four groups Category A: Accredited or Chartered Institutions with Challenges.
These institutions, including the University of Liberia and African Methodist Episcopal University, remain operational but must address issues like unqualified faculty and poor infrastructure within a defined period.
Category B is Licensed Institutions with Operational Deficiencies. These schools, including Best Brain University College, BlueCrest University College, Harvest Intercontinental American University, and United Methodist University, face strict monitoring and must improve standards or risk escalation to Category C.
Category C are Institutions Facing Suspension These institutions failed to meet basic requirements, often lacking permanent facilities or financial planning. Their licenses are suspended immediately pending compliance with NCHE guidelines.
Category D, which comprises Illegal Institutions. This category includes unrecognized entities such as the Liberia Institute of Medical Arts, the Sabegna School of Travel and Tourism, the African Scholars Resource Institute University, the Gonet Academy, and the Professional Journalism School of Liberia. These institutions are to be shut down immediately and must undergo proper accreditation procedures to operate legally.
Dr. Wonkeryor noted that even longstanding institutions like Cuttington University and the African Episcopal University have been flagged under Categories A and B, stressing that non-compliance will lead to future suspension or closure. “Institutions in Category C must work collaboratively with the Commission to resolve deficiencies, while those in Category D are strictly prohibited from operating,” he said.
The report, developed in consultation with NCHE Board Commissioners, educational experts, and compliance officers, represents a decisive move toward restoring integrity and accountability in Liberia’s higher education system. The Commission pledged to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that every institution meets the standards necessary to deliver quality tertiary education.
NCHE Closes 31 Bogus Colleges Across Liberia
In a sweeping crackdown on academic malpractice, the NCHE has launched what it describes as a “war on academic fraud,” ordering the immediate closure of 31 unauthorized colleges and universities operating illegally across Liberia.
The institutions, ranging from so-called medical colleges and theological seminaries to journalism schools and travel academies, were found to be offering diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and even PhDs without proper accreditation or legal authority from the Ministry of Education and the NCHE.
“This is a decisive step to protect Liberia’s students and the credibility of our higher education sector,” the NCHE said in a strongly worded statement issued from its Monrovia office.
“These institutions have been operating in total violation of the Higher Education Law of Liberia, and their continued presence threatens the integrity of our academic system.”
The NCHE emphasized that these illegal institutions have been duping unsuspecting students with unrecognized academic credentials, many of which have no academic or professional value, either nationally or internationally.
Among the institutions ordered shut are the Mertu Institute of Health and Laboratory Sciences, located at 72nd Junction, Paynesville; Christ Laborers School System and Great Commission Christian University, both situated on Pipeline Road, Paynesville; and Elizabeth Medical Institute of Health Sciences, along with Elizabeth Medical Health Center, both located in Mount Barclay, Montserrado County.
Others include Faith College of Professional Studies in Jacob’s Town, Paynesville; Millennium Institute of Health Sciences in Congo Town; Gonet Academy on Cooper Road, Paynesville; and Monrovia Open Bible College in Sinkor.
Also on the list are ACIDA Christian College in Ganta, Nimba County; Liberty Theological Seminary located between 15th and 16th Streets in Monrovia; Professional Journalism School of Liberia (PJSL) along GSA Road in Paynesville; and Sabenqa School of Travel and Tourism on Gurley Street, Monrovia. Additional institutions include Leemor V School of Health Assistant in Morris’ Farm; Vision Art Institute on Capitol Bypass; and New Dimension Theological Seminary, which operated out of St. Peter High School in Paynesville.
The full list, according to the Commission, is available at the NCHE head office in Monrovia and on its official website.
The Commission further advised all students currently enrolled in any of the affected institutions to immediately discontinue their studies and report to the NCHE for assistance in transferring to accredited colleges or universities.
“We know students are the most affected victims, and that’s why we urge them to seek guidance. We will do everything we can to help them transition to institutions that meet national and international academic standards,” the NCHE stated.
In a clear warning to other illegal institutions that may still be operating in the shadows, the NCHE made it known that this is only the beginning of a wider enforcement campaign.
“Let this be a stern message to those who believe they can operate outside the law. Liberia’s education system cannot be a marketplace for unregulated degrees. We will find you, and we will shut you down.”
The announcement has been met with praise from education advocates and civil society organizations, who have long called for stronger regulatory oversight in Liberia’s higher education sector.
“This is a bold and necessary action,” said Joseph Nyanfor, a student activist in Monrovia. “Too many fake schools are taking people’s money and giving them useless papers. It’s time we clean up the system.”
Some parents and guardians also expressed relief, stating that the closures will send a strong signal to exploitative school operators.
“You can’t play with young people’s future,” said Ruth Sumo, a mother of a 19-year-old who nearly enrolled in one of the listed institutions. “We support the NCHE for finally taking action.”
