The Government of Liberia is conscious of the
strategic role of higher education for meeting the national manpower needs and
for ushering the nation into modernity in science, technology, and development.
To this end, Government should take all necessary measures to encourage and
promote the partnership with the religious group, individuals and communities
in this sector. Government should also encourage any new or emerging partners
for as far as the scope and development of such high education institutions
conform to the laws and established policies of the Republic of Liberia. Yet
still, Liberia is only notable for developing lofty ideas or plans without
little or no implementation thereby always wasting scarce and energies from
conferences to conferences or from one workshop or seminar to another.
Why all the Setbacks?
The Education system of Liberia has suffer a tremendous
setback as a result of the years of instability which was demonstrated through
repeated civil disturbances, and later on to civil wars, corruption, nepotism,
and various other acts of bad governance. These vices has affected every aspect of
the Liberia society with such veracity that a reversal of its overall impact is
unlikely to be seen in the short term. The conflict of the recent past has more
dangerously affected the general attitude of the citizenry towards the nation’s
mission as a state. Those behaviors are visible and clearly reflected in the
response of Liberians to national objectives and programs.
The dismal performance in many areas in Liberia is
undoubtedly attributed to a set pattern of behavior that over thirty (30) years
as of 1979, has become entrenched and unofficially institutionalized in the
work culture of Liberians. Although individual and or group interest have
always taken precedence over the common good of the state for as long as
history will record, but it is apparent even more now that the people see
themselves as being separated and distinct from the Government both in form and
in substance. The general attitude of Liberians to matter of national interest
illustrates that the Government of Liberia is without the people which
demonstrates a divorce from the essential of democracy. This mindset has proven
to be most destructive to the nation and will certainly hinder the speed of
reconstruction so badly needed for the renewal of society. It appears that
education is the only sure way to eventually end the persistent impact of the
catastrophe. Sadly, education itself has been found wanting in many respects.
The structure of politics has changed in Liberia never to be
the same again ever, while the general regard for authority also changed for
the worse,. More severe in the above regard, is the relegation of the merit
system which though imperfect before the coup, became visible subordinated to
special interest and acquaintances. Also, the early system of education, notwithstanding
its imperfect attributes, emphasize excellence, merit and reward which were
then the milestones.
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