Published: March 19, 2025
CAPITOL HILL – The House of Representatives has directed its Committees on Education, Judiciary, Internal Affairs, and Ways, Means, and Finance to review a proposed bill seeking to standardize salaries and benefits for faculty and staff in public universities and colleges.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during the 16th Day Sitting of the First Quarter of the 2nd Session, following the introduction of the Education Standardization of Salaries and Benefits in Public Universities and Colleges Act by Lofa County District 3 Representative Momo Safa Kpoto.
The proposed legislation aims to address long-standing salary disparities among educators, particularly those teaching in rural areas who often earn significantly less than their counterparts at the University of Liberia and Tubman University. According to Rep. Kpoto, faculty members outside Monrovia face severe wage gaps and poor working conditions, making it difficult to retain experienced educators. He emphasized that the bill, if passed, would ensure fair compensation for all academic personnel, enhance the quality of education, and make the country’s higher learning institutions more attractive to qualified professionals.
Under the proposed reforms, the Civil Service Agency, in collaboration with the Ministries of Finance and Education, would be responsible for developing a standardized salary structure for public universities and colleges. The legislation calls for faculty in rural institutions to receive an additional 20 percent of their base salary as a rural incentive. It also introduces a hardship allowance of at least 15 percent of base salary, along with transport allowances, to ease commuting difficulties. Furthermore, the bill seeks to establish housing and research grants to support professional development and attract experienced educators. Medical benefits would also be standardized, ensuring equal healthcare coverage for faculty members and their families.
To guarantee effective implementation and compliance, the legislation mandates the creation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee. The government would be required to allocate the necessary budgetary support to sustain the initiative.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenges in the education sector, acknowledging the critical role educators play in national development. However, the bill’s progress now hinges on the committee review process, which will determine whether it moves forward for final approval.
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