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The founder of Starz University, Ambassador Latim Da-Thong, has thrown his support behind the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) for shutting down and suspending dozens of higher learning institutions accused of operating without accreditation or failing to meet national academic standards.
Da-Thong called the move “bold, necessary, and a critical first step” toward restoring quality and credibility to Liberia’s beleaguered higher education sector.
31 Colleges Shut Down, 22 Suspended
The NCHE, through Director General Dr. Edward Wonkeryor, last week ordered the immediate closure of 31 institutions operating without legal status or acceptable academic standing. An additional 22 were suspended for failing to meet accreditation requirements, instructional benchmarks, and infrastructure standards.
Among the 31 institutions ordered closed are Vision Art Institute, Universal Associated Christian College, STC Community, Sabegna School of Travel and Tourism, Royal Institute for Secretarial Science, Restoration College International, Professional Journalism School of Liberia, New Dimension Theological Seminary, Mertu Institute of Health and Laboratory Sciences, Millennium Institute of Health Sciences, Monrovia Open Bible College, Liberty Theological Seminary, Leomor V School of Health Assistant, Ken Institute of Professional Studies, Humanity First Ahmadiyya Vocational College, Great Commission Christian University, Gonet Academy, Faith College of Professional Studies, Elizabeth Medical Institute of Health Sciences, Elizabeth Medical Health Centre, Elevation School of Technology, Divine Airline School & Management Studies, Concern Youth School of Health Sciences, Christopolis College, Christ Laborers School System, Blessed Hope School of Biblical Studies, African Scholars Resource Institute University, ACIDA Christian College, Liberia Institute of Medical Arts, Liberia Academy of Medical Technology, and Excellence School of Health Sciences.
The 22 institutions suspended include Wesleyan College, Trinity University (Master’s Program), Stone College of Technology, Spiritual Life Bible College, Prevailing Word University, Modern University College, Messiah University College, Maretha College of Professional Studies, Living Bread College of Arts and Science, Liberia Christian College, Kings and Queens University College, Kollah Foundation University College, John Christian Community College, Jake Memorial Baptist College, Greater Vision College of Health Sciences, Gloria Joyce Stanley Institute of Science and Technology, Christian University College, Christian Leadership Training College, Cepres International University, AVEEM University College, African International Institute of Science and Technology, and Barshell University College.
Dathong: “A Watershed Moment” for Liberian Education
In a statement on his official social media page, Da-Thong, a veteran educator and former Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Education, praised the NCHE’s sweeping action as a “watershed moment.”
“This recent move to shut down and suspend institutions operating below acceptable academic and ethical standards is not only courageous — it is necessary,” he wrote. “It marks a departure from the culture of complacency that has plagued our tertiary education system for years.”
Da-Thong argued that the proliferation of unregulated and profit-driven colleges has eroded the credibility of Liberian degrees and left many graduates unfit for the job market.
“Dr. Wonkeryor’s decisive action sends a clear message: the Commission will no longer tolerate mediocrity or abuse in higher education,” he said.
“This Must Be Just the Beginning”
While praising the NCHE’s action, Da-Thong warned that the crackdown should be seen only as the first step in a broader national effort to reform higher education.
“Strengthening faculty development, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring curriculum relevance, and aligning academic programs with national development priorities must follow,” he said.
He also urged the Commission and government to pursue strategic local and international partnerships aimed at boosting institutional capacity, attracting investment, and supporting schools genuinely committed to delivering quality education.
“Dr. Wonkeryor’s leadership signals a new dawn — one that values substance over status, excellence over excuses, and future readiness over short-term gains,” he added.
Da-Thong said sustained reform efforts could usher in a new generation of skilled professionals and leaders prepared to meet the demands of a modern, competitive economy.
“We applaud Dr. Edward Wonkeryor for his bold leadership and stand firmly with the Commission in this important journey of reform and renewal,” he concluded.
NCHE Urges Students to Seek Guidance
Meanwhile, the NCHE has instructed all affected institutions to immediately halt academic operations. Students enrolled in the affected schools have been advised to contact the Commission for assistance with transfers and academic records verification.
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