Qualified Teachers Drive AML School Success

YEKEPA, Nimba County, October 21, 2026: ArcelorMittal High School in Yekepa has recorded a 100 percent pass rate in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with all 41 graduating students passing the examination.

The achievement has drawn praise from Nimba County education authorities, who attributed the school’s performance to qualified teachers, academic discipline, effective classroom instruction and sustained support from ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).

The school’s principal, Juwle Kumeh, said all teachers assigned to Grades 10, 11 and 12 hold bachelor’s degrees in their respective teaching subjects, in compliance with Ministry of Education standards.

“All the teachers assigned to teach Grades 10, 11 and 12 at ArcelorMittal High School are bachelor’s degree holders,” Kumeh said during a recent interview in Yekepa.

He explained that the school follows the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) syllabi, aligned with Liberia’s national curriculum, and uses prescribed textbooks and past examination questions to prepare students.

Kumeh credited AML for providing the teaching resources, personnel and institutional support necessary to maintain the school’s academic standards.

“We utilize all these resources with the full support of the company, ArcelorMittal Liberia Mining Company, which provides us with resources, manpower and everything we need to prepare our children for the terminal examination,” he said.

The principal also emphasized the school’s strict academic integrity policy, insisting that students must earn their grades through individual effort rather than favoritism or improper influence.

“At ArcelorMittal High School, there is something we strictly adhere to: Every student must pass on their own merit,” he stated.

He added that the administration maintains zero tolerance for teachers who demand money in exchange for passing students.

The school’s examination success was celebrated on October 16, 2026, during its 19th graduation ceremony in Yekepa, where 41 students graduated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nimba County Education Officer Francis Leagay described the achievement as a “memorable legacy,” praising the students for their discipline, determination and commitment to learning.

Leagay said the performance brought pride to both ArcelorMittal Liberia and Nimba County, while recognizing the company’s contribution to education and community development.

He also commended the school administration, teachers, parents and guardians for their collective efforts in preparing the graduates.

According to him, the achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when students receive adequate academic guidance, institutional support and encouragement from their families.

Meanwhile, AML’s Head of Social Services, Charlesetta Peters, praised teachers for their dedication to students’ academic and personal development.

Peters said the results reflected the combined efforts of teachers, students, parents and the company, emphasizing that teachers remain central to delivering quality education.

She disclosed that AML-operated schools are expected to undergo comprehensive renovation and furnishing during the next budget year to improve learning conditions.

The planned improvements, she explained, form part of the company’s continued investment in education and the welfare of communities within its operational areas.

The school’s performance also highlights the importance of teacher qualifications, adequate learning materials, classroom discipline and institutional support in improving educational outcomes.

Although examination results alone do not provide a complete measure of educational quality, the school’s 100 percent pass rate offers a significant indication of its students’ academic achievement.

Principal Kumeh expressed confidence that similar results could be achieved elsewhere in Liberia with appropriate teaching standards, resources and commitment.

“The students we teach are not unintelligent. If students at ArcelorMittal High School can achieve excellent results and earn credits in various subjects, I believe students across the country can do the same,” he concluded.