US aid cuts leave Liberian students in limbo
GRAND BASSA, Liberia (MNTV)– Thousands of university students in the West African state of Liberia, particularly those pursuing degrees in primary education, are facing an uncertain future after the United States halted nearly all aid to the country.
The sudden withdrawal of funding has jeopardized scholarships and left many students like Ezekiel Nwornee unable to afford graduation fees, reports Front Page Africa.
Nwornee, a student at Grand Bassa University, now struggles to pay the $288 needed to complete his associate degree. This situation echoes across eight universities and colleges in five counties, affecting programs like the $20 million USAID-backed TESTS, which aimed to train 3,500 volunteer teachers by 2026.
The aid cuts have disrupted the progress made in Liberia’s education sector, which has historically relied heavily on US support. Despite past criticisms regarding the effectiveness of US aid, programs like TESTS significantly increased enrollment in teacher training programs.
Students like Emmanuel Moore at Cuttington Junior College are scrambling to find funds to continue their education, with many unable to afford even the initial tuition fees. The abrupt end to USAID funding has left students, many of whom are already volunteer teachers, without the means to complete their degrees.
Faculty members and project leaders, speaking anonymously due to restrictions, express concerns about the long-term impact on Liberia’s education system. They emphasize the critical role these programs played in training future educators, especially in a system where many teachers lack formal qualifications.
Teachers like Shirley Michaels, a single mother of three, highlight the practical benefits of the USAID-supported programs, including training in inclusive education and classroom management.
The Liberian Ministry of Education has yet to release a statement on its plans to address the funding shortfall. The National Commission on Higher Education acknowledged the severity of the situation but stated they lack the funds to provide assistance.
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