“No More Illegal Fees”: NCHE Vows to Enforce Free Tuition Policy, Warns Universities and High Schools Face Shutdown Without Compliance
BY: Margret Nyumah
MONROVIA — The National Commission on Higher Education is moving to strictly enforce Liberia’s free tuition policy, with Executive Director Dr. Cecelia Cassell warning that institutions charging students unauthorized fees risk investigation, sanctions, and possible closure.
Speaking at the Ministry of information Tuesday, Dr. Cassell said the Commission has documented continued violations, citing SDA School where students are allegedly being charged US$750 per year, including US$450 in “administrative costs” despite the government policy covering tuition at public higher education institutions.
“The NCHE will investigate these charges to ensure institutions comply with the government’s free tuition policy,” Dr. Cassell stated.
“Free tuition means free tuition. Schools cannot disguise tuition as service or administrative fees.”
She noted that over the past 13 years, many colleges and universities have imposed various annual service fees on students, undermining access and affordability.
To address the systemic issue, NCHE is conducting a nationwide assessment aimed at strengthening oversight, improving accountability, and raising academic standards across the sector.
Dr. Cassell disclosed that NCHE is working with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to secure dedicated funding to support reforms, faculty development, and infrastructure improvements.
In a firm directive, the NCHE boss announced that between October and November 2026, the Commission will begin shutting down high schools and universities that fail to meet minimum operational and academic standards.
She assured that students affected by closures will be transferred to other accredited Liberian universities to ensure continuity of learning.
The Commission said the dual enforcement of free tuition and academic standards is intended to protect students, restore public confidence, and ensure higher education institutions operate in line with national policy and global benchmarks.
Dr. Cassell urged students, parents, and civil society to report institutions demanding unauthorized fees, as NCHE intensifies monitoring and compliance checks ahead of the next academic year.