By Nukanah Kollie
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY—Tensions are mounting at the Nathaniel Varney Massaquoi High School, located on Kokoyah Road in Gbarnga, Bong County, following the immediate suspension of a classroom teacher accused of impregnating a female student. The allegation has reignited nationwide concerns over sexual misconduct in Liberia’s education system and renewed calls for stronger protections for students.
The teacher, Julius Sevelee, commonly known by his nickname “Chemical J,” was suspended by the Ministry of Education (MOE). A preliminary investigation conducted by this outlet found that Sevelee had allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a student enrolled at the school, leading to her pregnancy.
The suspension was formally issued by Bong County Education Officer (CEO) David Boakai, who confirmed that the action took immediate effect and will remain in place for five days as the Ministry conducts a full investigation into the matter.
The case came to light after the student’s father lodged a complaint alleging rape, triggering an inquiry by the Liberia National Police’s Bong Detachment. Although Sevelee was eventually cleared of rape charges, the case continued as a formal complaint was also submitted to Gbarnga District Education Officer P. Kohnkahn Cole and CEO Boakai. This prompted an administrative probe by the Ministry of Education.
As a result, Sevelee’s suspension was issued under Section 6.3.1.2(d) of the Ministry’s Code of Conduct, which clearly prohibits any sexual relationship between educators and students.
A copy of the official suspension letter, dated July 25, 2025, and obtained by this outlet, outlines the terms: Sevelee is barred from entering the school campus or having contact with any student or staff. Violating these terms could lead to further disciplinary actions, including termination.
In a statement following his suspension, Sevelee acknowledged the Ministry’s decision and expressed support for its disciplinary process. He has maintained his innocence and called for a fair and unbiased investigation.
“This suspension creates room for a thorough and impartial investigation,” Sevelee said. “I respectfully request that the process be free from bias, prejudice, or external interference so that truth and justice can prevail.”
He also pledged full cooperation with both the Ministry and law enforcement authorities during the investigation.
Public Outcry and Advocacy
The case has sparked serious concern across Bong County. Human rights advocates and community leaders have taken to local radio talk shows, urging the Ministry to move swiftly and ensure justice is served.
“This isn’t an isolated case,” said one local women’s rights activist during a broadcast. “The sexual exploitation of girls in our schools is becoming all too common. We need answers and we need them quickly.”
The incident adds to a growing list of “sex-for-grades” allegations, which have plagued several high schools in the county. These claims involve male teachers coercing female students into sexual relationships in exchange for better grades or academic leniency.
A Pattern of Abuse in Schools
This latest case reflects a troubling pattern. In 2021 and 2022, the Ministry of Education intervened in similar incidents involving the CAN Leadership Academy (formerly Alexandria Alexis Andrews Academy) on Lofa Road in Gbarnga. Multiple teachers and the then-principal, Abel N. Dennis and Kofi A. Mensah, were accused of having inappropriate sexual relationships with female students.
Following public backlash and an internal investigation, the Ministry dismissed those involved and appointed a female principal to help rebuild trust and establish a more gender-sensitive leadership framework.
Broader Disciplinary Trends
Over the past several years, the Ministry has ramped up disciplinary actions against educators involved in misconduct. Counties like Nimba, Montserrado, Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa have seen dozens of suspensions and dismissals for sexual abuse and related violations.
In 2023 alone, at least 17 teachers were either suspended or dismissed, according to the Ministry’s Division of School Supervision and Monitoring. Offenses ranged from inappropriate relationships to sexual harassment and coercion.
“We’re doing everything we can to clean up the school system,” an MOE official said during a 2024 press briefing. “No teacher should be allowed to exploit their power over a student.”
A Regional Problem with Global Attention
The issue extends beyond Liberia’s borders. In 2019, the BBC Africa Eye documentary “Sex for Grades” uncovered systemic abuse in some of West Africa’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Ghana and University of Lagos. Professors were secretly filmed harassing female students in exchange for grades or admissions, leading to suspensions and dismissals.
The expose prompted widespread debate and shone an international spotlight on a crisis of accountability in educational institutions across the region, where silence and stigma often shield perpetrators.
A Critical Moment for Education in Liberia
As the Ministry of Education continues its investigation into the case of Julius Sevelee, pressure is mounting for real accountability. Activists, educators, parents, and students are calling for robust reforms ranging from better reporting mechanisms, teacher training, and survivor support services to more effective monitoring and enforcement.
For now, how the Ministry handles this case will serve as a litmus test of its commitment to student safety and institutional integrity. Many see it as a critical opportunity to affirm the principle of zero tolerance and rebuild public trust in the education system.
“Removing abusers and empowering survivors,” said one community leader, “is the only way we can ensure that schools are places of learning, not exploitation.”
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