MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Education Minister, Jarso Jallah, has described the Excellence in Learning in Liberia (EXCEL) Project as a bold step to strengthen foundational learning and close gaps in public education.

Minister Jallah made the statement during a public hearing convened by the House’s Joint Committee on Education, Judiciary, Public Administration, Banking and Finance, and Ways, Means and Finance.

The Lawmakers had cited the Minister to explain a proposed $60 million credit agreement with the International Development Association.

Minister Jallah told the committee that the project targets over two thousand public schools across all 15 counties, with a focus on early childhood and primary education.

She said,” The loan will also unlock an additional 28.7 million dollars grant from the Global Partnership for Education, bringing the total investment to 88.7 million dollars”.

According to the Minister, the EXCEL Project aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda and seeks to reduce the education financing gap while improving learning outcomes nationwide.

The loan agreement was formally submitted to the House of Representatives by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai earlier this month for legislative consideration.

In a related development, Representative Nyahn Flomo says the Legislature will not grant automatic approval to the proposed $60 million loan without a thorough review.

The Nimba County lawmaker, who chairs the House’s Committee on Education, made the statement during the same hearing held on Capitol Hill. He said lawmakers have a constitutional duty to exercise oversight and ensure that any borrowing is justified, transparent, and in line with national priorities.

Representative Flomo emphasized that while the need for investment in education is clear, the loan represents a long-term financial obligation that must be carefully weighed.

He noted that the committee’s role is to safeguard public resources and demand accountability from implementing agencies.