National Commission On Higher Education

06/06/2026

PEAL EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH – MAY 2026

Honoring HON. CECELIA CASSELL, PHD

The Professional Educators Association of Liberia (PEAL) is honored to recognize Dr. Cecelia Cassell as Educator of the Month for May 2026 in celebration of her exceptional contributions to teacher education, educational leadership, curriculum development, research, and national educational transformation.

Dr. Cassell's professional journey exemplifies the power of dedication, scholarship, and servant leadership. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher and school supervisor, she steadily rose through the ranks of the education sector through hard work, competence, and an unwavering commitment to improving learning outcomes for Liberian children and youth.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Cassell holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Language Education from the University of Botswana, a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Curriculum Studies from the University of Cape Coast, and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Primary Education from the University of Liberia. Throughout her career, she has combined academic excellence with practical leadership to strengthen education systems and expand opportunities for both teachers and learners.

Dr. Cassell has served Liberia's education sector in numerous capacities, including classroom teacher, school supervisor, Director of the Primary Division of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), faculty member of the University of Liberia, Academic Coordinator of the University of Liberia, and Dean of the William V. S. Tubman College of Education, where she has championed innovations in teacher preparation, curriculum reform, faculty development, educational research, and institutional growth. Under her leadership, the College of Education secured significant grants, expanded academic programs, strengthened research capacity, and enhanced opportunities for future educators.

Beyond the university, Dr. Cassell has provided technical expertise and consultancy services to numerous national and international organizations, contributing to teacher training, educational policy development, curriculum design, professional standards, and educational reform initiatives. Her commitment to evidence-based education is further reflected in her work with Together for Early Childhood Evidence (T4ECE), where she served as Liberia's focal person in advancing early childhood development and learning.

A respected voice in educational discourse, Dr. Cassell has presented scholarly papers and participated in international conferences and professional engagements across Africa, Asia, and North America, representing Liberia on global platforms and contributing to conversations on literacy, teacher education, curriculum development, and educational quality. She is a member of several respected international professional bodies, including the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), and Together for Early Childhood Evidence (T4ECE). She has also served as a panelist both within and outside Liberia, sharing her expertise and experiences with diverse educational audiences.

Dr. Cassell's leadership extends beyond institutions. As a former President of the Professional Educators Association of Liberia (PEAL), she played an important role in advancing teacher professionalism, strengthening professional development opportunities, and promoting quality education nationwide. Today, she continues her distinguished service to Liberia as Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), where she contributes to strengthening higher education quality, standards, accountability, and national development.

PEAL proudly celebrates Dr. Cecelia Cassell for her enduring contributions to education, her commitment to developing educators, and her dedication to building stronger educational institutions. Her life and work remind us that transformative education begins with visionary leaders who are willing to serve, innovate, and invest in future generations.

Congratulations, Dr. Cecelia Cassell, PEAL Educator of the Month – May 2026.

Your leadership inspires excellence. Your scholarship advances knowledge. Your service transforms lives.

10/05/2026

Today, we celebrate mothers in Liberia and around the world for their strength, sacrifice, care, and the countless ways they continue to shape families, communities, and future generations.

Happy Mother’s Day from the National Commission on Higher Education

08/05/2026

The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) launches a nationwide feasibility study tour across public higher education institutions to advance and sustain Liberia’s free tuition policy through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and research-driven implementation.

MONROVIA, Liberia/05/08/2026: The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), under the leadership of its Executive Director, Dr. Cecelia Cassell, is preparing to launch a nationwide technical feasibility study aimed at strengthening and sustaining Liberia’s free tuition policy for public higher education institutions. The initiative represents a significant step toward institutionalizing the Government of Liberia’s commitment to equitable access to higher education through evidence-based planning and long-term policy implementation.

According to Dr. Cassell, the feasibility study is intended to generate empirical data that will support the development of a comprehensive implementation framework for the free tuition policy. The exercise will be conducted by a technical team from the Commission, which is scheduled to undertake a nationwide assessment tour of public universities and colleges from May 11 to May 29, 2026.

As part of the study, the Commission will engage university administrations and students in order to gain a road-based perspective on the sustainability and effectiveness of the policy. The assessment seeks to ensure that efforts to expand access to higher education are implemented in a manner that preserves academic quality, institutional efficiency, and financial sustainability across public higher education institutions.
Emphasizing the importance of the exercise, Dr. Cassell noted that the findings will serve as an essential evidence base to guide strategic decision-making and ensure that the policy is operationalized in a manner that upholds quality, equity, and fiscal responsibility,” she stated.

The initiative follows Dr. Cassell’s recent return from the United States, where she participated in the Liberian Studies Association Conference as a panellist and held engagements with members of the Chicago State University community. The nationwide mission also represents one of her first major official engagements with public higher education institutions since assuming leadership of the Commission.
Guided by its institutional mandate and motto, “Promoting Quality & Equal Higher Education Opportunities,” the NCHE maintains that the feasibility study reflects Liberia’s growing commitment to research-driven policymaking and sustainable reform within the tertiary education sector. As preparations continue for the deployment of the technical team, stakeholders throughout the education community are expected to closely monitor the outcomes and recommendations of the study, which could significantly shape the future direction of Liberia’s free tuition policy.

07/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today we celebrate the strength, courage, and achievements of women everywhere. Your hard work, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire and shape a better future for our society.

24/02/2026

NCHE Executive Director Dr. Cassell applauds Sharda University’s contribution at the Study in India Education Fair.

Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Cecelia Cassell, Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) of Liberia has emphasized the value of a top-notch international education for Liberian students and praised organizations that are giving young people access to opportunities around the world.

Dr. Cassell stressed the need for foreign collaborations in enhancing Liberia’s national higher education system when addressing a group of students, parents, and educators. She noted that exposure to top-notch academic programs overseas gives Liberian students the critical thinking abilities, self-assurance, and global perspectives necessary for both personal and national growth.

Her comments demonstrated the NCHE’s strong commitment to fostering initiatives that increase educational access and quality outside of Liberia. During her speech, Dr. Cassell praised Sharda University of India in particular for its excellent job in educating Liberian students, pointing out that the university has grown to be a ray of hope for many young Liberians looking for reasonably priced, top-notch postsecondary education.

Liberian students who attend Sharda University are coming home with “enhanced knowledge, global perspectives, and a readiness to contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s socio-economic progress,” she said, highlighting the institution’s contributions to academic excellence, multicultural engagement, and student success.

Dr. Cassell’s commendation is in line with the NCHE’s overarching goal of guaranteeing that students have access to high-quality instruction and demanding curricula that satisfy global standards. Her remarks during the expo reaffirmed the need of collaborations with internationally renowned organizations, such as Sharda University, in developing Liberia’s upcoming generation of professionals, leaders, and innovators.

“”Global education is not just a pathway for degrees, it is a gateway for transformation,” Dr. Cassell said, encouraging Liberian students and families to explore opportunities that challenge minds and expand horizons. The commission’s commitment to collaborating with international education partners aims to enhance the quality, relevance, and competitiveness of Liberia’s human capital.

Due to its stellar reputation for academic instruction, research collaboration, and student support, Sharda University attracts students from a diverse range of countries, including Liberia, and remains a top choice for those seeking a globally recognized university education.

Representatives from Indian colleges, including Sharda, had a chance to interact with Liberian students directly during the Study in India Education Fair by providing information on program options, admissions, and scholarships. The NCHE’s support for high-quality academic mobility and cross-border educational engagement as critical instruments for national development was highlighted by Dr. Cassell’s attendance and endorsement at the event.

20/02/2026

The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) is encouraging all students from universities and colleges to participate in a regional essay contest celebrating ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary.

1. Application opens: Saturday, February 21, 2026 (tomorrow)
2. Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026

3. How to apply:
4. Interested students should register via the official Google Form link provided by ECOWAS:
👉 Registration Link
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgSkMgtyq55vCQRyocfvcFYBw2iLO4oSQdz-47QiMihfbDdg/viewform?usp=preview

PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT BELOW.




Concept Note:

ECOWAS@50 University Essay Competition

Introduction

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established on May 28, 1975, by the Treaty of Lagos, with a mandate to promote cooperation and integration among Member States, foster economic and political stability, and increase economic opportunities for its people and their overall well-being. ECOWAS operates through key pillars, including Peace and Security, Economic Integration, Good Governance, Free Movement of Persons, and Social Inclusion. The organization’s long-term strategic framework guides these pillars, ECOWAS Vision 2050, which seeks to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous region driven by its people.

In 2009, as a means of mobilizing youth to participate adequately in the regional integration and development process in ECOWAS, the Commission adopted the ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Action Plan. This regional youth policy is an expression of ECOWAS' commitment to the full development of all young men and women in the region. Through this youth policy, an environment is created wherein all stakeholders in youth development in the region can work towards a common goal of promoting cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa to raise the living standards of all its peoples.

In light of the above, the Office of ECOWAS Special Representative in Liberia is organizing the ECOWAS @50 University Essay Competition for undergraduate students within Liberia. The competition is being organized to commemorate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary. The competition aims to cultivate critical thinking by encouraging participants to thoughtfully examine national and regional developmental issues and develop innovative, practical solutions. It further seeks to strengthen and promote meaningful youth engagement in national development and empower emerging writers with the materials needed for their academic journey.

Participants of the competition are expected write on the topic below.

Topic:
“HOW DOES YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION”?

Prizes:
UNDERGRADUATE
• 1st Winner – 1,000 USD.
• 2nd Winners – 700 USD.
• Both the first and second winners’ essays will be published on the ECOWAS website.
• Recognition of other outstanding essays.

Timeline:
• The application process is scheduled to open on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and closes on Friday, February 27, 2026, or after the submission of the first 100 Essays, whichever comes first.
• Reviewing of essays will commence from March 2-6, 2026, by independent Markers.
• Awarding Ceremony, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, @11 AM, ECOWAS Head Office, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia. Requirement
• The essay must contain a minimum of 1,500 and a maximum of 3,000 words
(excluding references).
• The essay must be written in English
• All essays must be submitted in a pdf and the writing format attached.
• All applications must be submitted online via the link provided.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their essays on or before the date indicated above.
• Applicants are encouraged to reference relevant ECOWAS and national documents, including regulations/policies and strategic action plans.


Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process
All eligible essays submitted under the ECOWAS @50 University Essay Competition shall undergo an independent, merit-based evaluation process conducted by appointed Judges/Markers.
Each essay will be assessed using a standardized 100-point scoring framework to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency.
Evaluation Criteria
Criteria Max Score Awarded
1. ⁠ Relevance to Topic (National Development & Regional Integration)⁠ 15_ /15
2. ⁠ Analytical Depth & Critical Thinking⁠ 20_ /20
3. ⁠ Use of Evidence & Policy References (ECOWAS & National Frameworks)⁠ 15_ /15
4. ⁠ Innov⁠ ation & Practical Recommendations 15_ /15
5. ⁠ Structure & Organization⁠ 10_ /10
6. ⁠ Academic Writing Quality⁠ 10_ /10
7. ⁠ Originality⁠ 10_ /10
8. ⁠ Compliance with Submission Requirements⁠ 5_ /5
TOTAL SCORE 100_ /100

Eligibility Criteria
• Must be an undergraduate student of any university in the Republic of Liberia.
• Applicant must be 35 years of age or below.
• Applicant must submit a scanned copy of a valid school identification card.
Disqualification
• An AI-generated essay will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Plagiarism and misquoted essays will be disqualified.

ECOWAS is committed to ensuring it provides equal opportunity to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. However, we encourage females to take advantage of this opportunity.

Instructions

Applicants shall use the guidelines below when writing their essays. Failure to adhere to the instructions or guidelines will result in the disqualification of your essays.
TOPIC
“HOW DOES YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION”?
COVER PAGE
The cover page must contain the Essay title, full name of the applicant, valid student identification number, and the name of the university or college.
ESSAY COMPOSITION
a. Introduction – all introductory statements should not be more than 500 words
b. Body – should not be more than 1000 words
c. Conclusion and Recommendation should not be more than 500 words
d. Bibliography should be indicated on the final page.
REFRENCE
All references should be included as footnotes. However, as indicated in requirement #1 below, the cover page, references, and bibliography will not form part of the words count.
Requirement
• The essay must contain a minimum of 1,500 and a maximum of 2,500 words (excluding cover page, references and bibliography).
• The essay must be written in English
• The essays must be submitted in a pdf and it must be written in TIMES NEW ROMAN with a 12-point font size (single-spaced, 1.15).
• The applications must be submitted online via the link provided on the flyer or the QR Code.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their essays on or before March 2, 2026.
• Applicants are encouraged to reference relevant ECOWAS and national legal texts, including regulations/policies and strategic action plans.
Timeline:
• The application process is scheduled to open on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and closes on Monday, March 2, 2026, or after the submission of the first 100 Essays, whichever comes first.
• Reviewing of essays will commence from March 2-6, 2026, by independent Markers.
• Awarding Ceremony, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, @11 AM, ECOWAS Head Office, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
Evaluation Criteria
Criteria Max Score Awarded
1.⁠ ⁠Relevance to Topic (National Development & Regional Integration) 15_ /15
2.⁠ ⁠Analytical Depth & Critical Thinking 20_ /20
3.⁠ ⁠Use of Evidence & Policy References (ECOWAS & National Frameworks) 15_ /15
4.⁠ ⁠Innovation & Practical Recommendations 15_ /15
5.⁠ ⁠Structure & Organization 10_ /10
6.⁠ ⁠Academic Writing Quality 10_ /10
7.⁠ ⁠Originality 10_ /10
8.⁠ ⁠Compliance with Submission Requirements 5_ /5
TOTAL SCORE 100_ /100
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be an undergraduate student of any university and college in the Republic of Liberia.
• Applicant must be 35 years of age or below.
• Applicant must submit a scanned copy of a valid school identification card.
Disqualification
• An AI-generated essay will lead to automatic disqualification.
• Plagiarism and misquoted essays will be disqualified.

ECOWAS is committed to ensuring it provides equal opportunity to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria. However, we encourage females to take advantage of this opportunity.

13/02/2026