GRAND BASSA COUNTY, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Education has opened a two-day Joint Education Sector Review (JESR) in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

The midterm exercise, themed “Halfway to the Goal”, focuses on accelerating foundational learning and equity.

Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah said,” The review is anchored on access, quality, governance, and system strengthening”.

She cited the restoration of Liberia’s school census covering more than six thousand schools, increases in early childhood enrollment, girls’ enrollment, and adult literacy growth, the employment of volunteer teachers, expanded STEM labs, and school feeding as key milestones.

Dr. Jallah also acknowledged challenges low completion rates, overage enrollment, weak TVET, and shortages of textbooks, stressing that accountability must include safe, dignified classrooms.

She pledged that 2026 will be a year of accountability, with progress measured by tangible change in schools nationwide.

At the same time, the Chairman of Education at the House of Representatives, Rep. Nyahn Flomo, has urged stronger accountability and evidence-based planning to transform Liberia’s schools.

Speaking at the Joint Education Sector Review in Buchanan, he stressed the need for accurate data to guide interventions and avoid wasteful “white elephant” projects.

Representative Flomo has warned that corruption and exam malpractice undermine quality, while weak school boards limit oversight.

He praised the ministry’s focus on foundational learning and called for strategic investment, community participation, and strict standards to ensure resources deliver real results.

He further emphasized that intentional efforts must prioritize quality, noting that without strong foundations, high school and university outcomes will remain poor.

The lawmaker said,” Tackling systemic weaknesses now is essential to change the narrative for Liberia’s education future”.