Published: July 16, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – The House of Representatives is considering a groundbreaking bill that would transform the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) from a diploma-awarding institution into a full-fledged degree-granting college—marking a pivotal step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to build a more robust healthcare workforce.
The legislation, introduced by Lofa County District #5 Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo, seeks to amend the 1972 Act that established the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center (JFK-MMC), under which TNIMA operates. If passed, TNIMA would be authorized to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing, midwifery, physician assistant studies, laboratory technology, environmental health, public health, and other allied health professions as approved by the Ministry of Health and the National Commission on Higher Education.
A Legacy Institution Poised for Expansion
Founded in 1945 during the administration of President William V.S. Tubman, TNIMA began as a standalone institution training mid-level health professionals. In 1972, it was incorporated into JFK Medical Center as a core division of the national referral hospital. Since then, TNIMA has remained one of Liberia’s most important training institutions for nurses, physician assistants, laboratory technicians, and environmental health workers.
For nearly 80 years, the institution has offered two- and three-year diploma programs, producing thousands of frontline healthcare workers deployed across the country. TNIMA currently offers four core programs—Environmental Health, Nursing & Midwifery, Physician Assistant, and Laboratory Technology.
In May 2025, it launched three new advanced diploma programs in Nurse Anesthesia, Perioperative Technician, and Radiography. These additions are supported by a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory funded by USAID, equipped with birthing simulators, mannequins, and modern clinical training tools. TNIMA also conducts Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and international partners.
Raising the Bar in Healthcare Education
Chiewolo told lawmakers that elevating TNIMA’s academic status would help the institution meet rising regional and global standards in healthcare education. He described the move as critical to strengthening Liberia’s health sector.
“This amendment seeks to modernize TNIMA to enable it to respond more effectively to contemporary public health challenges,” he said during plenary.
The bill outlines a two-year transition period from diploma to degree programs and calls for increased budgetary support for infrastructure, faculty training, and digital technology. Oversight responsibilities would lie with the National Commission on Higher Education and the Ministry of Health.
“This change will empower TNIMA to award degrees, giving it the credibility and competitiveness needed within the West African sub-region,” Chiewolo added.
Legislative Scrutiny and Next Steps
Sinoe County District #2 Representative Samson Wiah moved that the bill be forwarded to the committees on Education, Health, Ways, Means & Finance, and Judiciary for detailed review.
Montserrado County District #7 Representative Sumo Mulbah urged caution, stressing the need for a comprehensive assessment of TNIMA’s capacity to transition to degree-granting status. “Given the financial and structural implications, there should be a broad-based review by the Higher Education Commission,” he said.
Despite some reservations over funding and accreditation, the bill received strong bipartisan support, with many lawmakers acknowledging TNIMA’s historical significance and essential role in Liberia’s healthcare delivery system.
If enacted, the law would repeal any conflicting statutes and take effect immediately upon publication.
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