She indicated in her State of the Nation address Monday that 31,000 students are enrolled at the four campuses of the University of Liberia -- Capitol Hill, Dogliotti, Straz-Sinje and Fendell -- all of which have new and improved facilities.

In her address to the joint session of the 53rd National Legislature, the Liberian leader said “we are proud of the record of progress for the University of Liberia.”

“In a stark departure from the past, an unprecedented 35 percent of the student population is enrolled in the sciences -- engineering and agricultural programs,” President Sirleaf pointed out.

She said the government has converted the Tubman Technical College in Harper City, Maryland County into the nation’s second state-run university, making the total number of universities in Liberia to eight, with six operated by faith-based institutions.

According to President Sirleaf, 18 community colleges and eight four-year colleges established by government are now operational, including the Bong County Technical College in Gbarnga and the Harbel College in Margibi County.

President Sirleaf noted that constraints in financing and available professionals have imposed limitation in expansion, while other options are being examined that would ensure the achievement of the objective of making higher education available in all geographic areas of the country.

“Even with these achievements, we continue to identify new methods and approaches intended to improve the quality of education for our young people, including policies regarding accreditation, management structures and subsides for all institutions, public and private,” she pointed out.
LINA RD/JGT/TSS/PTK