Africa-Press – Liberia. The County Education Officer (CEO) of Nimba County, Francis G. Leagay, has suspended Nya Taylor Guanue Sr., Principal of John Wesley Pearson High School, following a graduation ceremony on Sunday at Liberia International Christian College (LICC) where 295 students graduated.
The suspension letter, issued by Mr. Leagay, alleges that Mr. Guanue authorized the graduation of students who did not pass the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) public exams, violating the Ministry of Education Policy.
“Your suspension is effective immediately due to gross violation of the Ministry of Education’s Policy Governing School Graduation Exercises,’’
“It alleges that Mr. Guanue conducted a graduation allowing several students who failed the (WAEC) assessments to graduate, contravening Page 13 of the 2024/2025 Academic Calendar, which specifies graduation eligibility requirements for Grade 12 students.’’
The letter further claims his actions undermine the education system’s integrity, compromise academic standards and demonstrate negligence according to Page 17 of the 2024 Code of Conduct for Teachers and School Administrators, specifically section 3.3 on student evaluation.
Mr. Guanue is ordered to cease all official duties pending investigation and must submit a written explanation within 72 hours to justify why further disciplinary action should not be taken
Principal Condemns Suspension as Witch Hunt
On Monday, October 27, Mr. Guanue condemned the suspension as a “malicious witch hunt” targeting his administration.
He accused CEO Leagay of personal vendettas and said this is not the first attempt to remove him as principal.
He stated that he submitted the list of graduating students 295 out of 450—to CEO Leagay for approval on Saturday morning before the ceremony.
According to Mr. Guanue, he received verbal consent to proceed but no written warning or notice of policy violations prior to his suspension.
He vowed to appeal to the Ministry of Education, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the school’s reputation and the students’ futures.
Political Undertones and Nepotism Claims
Local observers suggest the suspension is tied to political conflict
Since Mr. Leagay became CEO formerly Principal of Sanniquellie Center High School, there have been accusations of targeting principals loyal to former President George Manneh Weah’s Administration.
In contrast, principals appointed during President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s Government are reportedly favored under Mr. Leagay’s leadership.
Allegations of nepotism extend beyond education into local government, security and media sectors.
When contacted, CEO Leagay confirmed the suspension of Principal Guanue for allegedly graduating over 400 students who didn’t pass in the just ended public Exam.
According to CEO Leagay, only 20 students that passed from John Wesley Pearson High School not 295 as claimed by the school principal.
Critics accuse Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono of promoting nepotism, influencing community radios and local news outlets divided between government loyalists and critics.
Media and Governance Challenges!
The media landscape in Nimba County is marked by political tension.
Around 20 community radios are allegedly on Superintendent Gono’s payroll, raising concerns over media independence.
Some media workers are accused of suppressing dissent and discouraging criticisms of officials.
Superintendent Gono, who manages large county social development funds, has not accounted transparently for over US$4 Million allocated to local projects, fueling public frustration.
Security Sector Politicization.
When contacted, Superintendent Gono could not reached for comments up to press time.
The police force also faces accusations of politicization!
Since County Police Commander Larmie Mendin’s appointment, there have been allegations of power misuse and dissatisfaction with officer reassignments, such as former Tappita Police Commander Eric Musa.
Residents and media callers accuse the police of serving political interests rather than public safety and impartial law enforcement. Several text messages and phone calls to police County Commander Mendin are yet to responded to.
Education as a Political Battleground
The education sector, once a neutral ground for development, is now entangled in Nimba County’s political struggles.
The suspension of John Wesley Pearson High School’s Principal reflects deeper conflicts affecting governance, media freedom and community trust.
Mr. Guanue’s fight against his suspension highlights the urgent need for transparent and fair policies that uphold student academic integrity and safeguard their futures.
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