Educational administrators have decried low school enrollment across Liberia, attributing it to the current state of the country’s economy, which they say remains “deplorable.” According to some school officials, the economic hardship in the country has compelled parents to slash educational expenses, resulting in lower student enrollment.
”We’ve seen a significant decrease in enrollment this year,” Somalia Z. Shieff, Vice Principal of Star School of Excellence, said. According to him, since the beginning of the enrollment period for the 2025/2026 academic year, his institution has barely registered ten students for senior high school, with parents attributing this to the prevailing economic situation.
Mr. Shieff called on the Government of Liberia to provide subsidies for private institutions to help with operational costs. The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines for all public and private schools to open on September 5 for the 2025/2026 academic year. This directive has caused difficulties for schools to prepare ahead of the re-opening schedule.
As part of activities for many schools ahead of the resumption of classes, school administrators are scheduled to make classrooms conducive for students and host refresher workshops for teachers. Many parents across the country are complaining about the harsh economic issues. Speaking to our reporter, a market woman identified as Ma Watta from Rally Town Market said she has three children and finds it difficult to register them because her business is struggling. “People are not buying our goods, and we are not raising money to send our kids to school, a condition that will see most kids not going to school this year because of the economic situation,’’ she lamented.
By Joseph Sirleaf/Contributing Writer
