Africa-Press – Liberia. In a major step toward expanding higher education opportunities in central Liberia, the House of Representatives has passed a landmark bill seeking to elevate Bong County Technical College (BCTC) to full university status.
The bill, sponsored by Bong County District #4 Representative Robert Womba, received overwhelming support during the House’s plenary session on Tuesday, July 8. Lawmakers endorsed the measure following the presentation of a report by the Joint Committees on Education, Public Administration, and Judiciary, which strongly recommended transforming the institution.
According to the committee’s report, elevating BCTC to a university will significantly enhance its academic offerings, promote research and innovation, and improve access to quality tertiary education for students in Bong County and surrounding regions.
“This initiative is not just about changing a name or title,” Rep. Womba told his colleagues. “It is about creating more educational and professional pathways for young Liberians, particularly those in rural areas who deserve the same opportunities as their counterparts in urban centers.”
The bill’s passage marks a critical milestone in the college’s journey, which began in 2010 when BCTC was established as a public institution offering associate degrees in technical and vocational fields. Over the years, the college has expanded its programs and enrollment, drawing students from across the central region.
If concurred with by the Liberian Senate and signed into law by the President, the transition from college to university will grant BCTC the authority to offer bachelor’s and potentially graduate-level degree programs. It will also attract greater investment, faculty development, and academic partnerships.
The news of the bill’s passage has been met with optimism in Bong County, where residents, students, and educators have long advocated for the institution’s elevation.
“This is a historic moment for us,” said a BCTC faculty member. “Becoming a university means our students can stay closer to home and still receive a high-quality education. It’s a win for the entire region.”
The proposed elevation is part of a broader national effort to decentralize education and strengthen Liberia’s human capital development through investment in regional institutions.
The bill now awaits Senate concurrence, where it is expected to receive similar backing. If passed, the new university will become one of the few public institutions of its kind outside Monrovia, representing a significant step toward bridging Liberia’s educational gap.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
