By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA – The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has revoked what appears to be fake 11 master’s degrees awarded by Donimas University after it was shut down based on multiple violations of Liberia’s higher education regulations.
NCHE Executive Director Dr. Cecelia Cassell made the disclosure Tuesday at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.
She said the institution was discovered while they were conducting regular monitoring of universities and colleges operating outside Liberia’s regulatory framework, adding “Donimas University was not registered in NCHE’s database despite actively recruiting and awarding degrees to students in the country.”
The NCHE boss explained that an initial investigation revealed inconsistencies regarding the institution’s identity and operations.
Dr. Cassel said when the Commission contacted the individual behind the university, he acknowledged ownership of the institution and informed regulators that it was accredited by an organization in Australia and operated primarily online.
However, Dr. Cassell said the institution had no accreditation from the Liberian government, no recognized campus within the country, and no formal affiliation with any accredited higher education institution in Liberia as required under national regulations.
According to the NCHE Executive Director, the university’s operator admitted that face-to-face interactions with students were sometimes conducted on his porch or at the homes of students. She argued that such arrangements fell far below the standards required for higher education institutions operating in Liberia.
“The institution does not meet the requirements established by the National Commission on Higher Education,” Dr. Cassell said. “As far as the Commission is concerned, that university is closed.”
She further disclosed that the university had already awarded 11 master’s degrees. NCHE, she said, has decided not to recognize those qualifications, warning public and private sector employers against accepting them for employment or professional advancement.
“We want the public to know that those degrees will not be accepted in the Republic of Liberia,” she emphasized.
Dr. Cassell used the occasion to caution prospective students against enrolling in unaccredited institutions and urged journalists and members of the public to help identify schools operating illegally across the country.
Meanwhile, the NCHE Executive Director provided updates on several ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Liberia’s higher education sector.
She disclosed that the Commission has completed a nationwide feasibility study on the implementation of the government’s free tuition policy in public universities and colleges. The study, she said, was conducted to assess how institutions have been implementing the policy since its introduction and to gather evidence for the development of a comprehensive framework to guide its administration.
According to Dr. Cassell, consultations were held with university administrators, faculty members and students to identify challenges and opportunities associated with the policy. Findings from the study are currently being compiled into a draft document that will be submitted to the NCHE Board for review.
The NCHE boss also reported progress in the collection of annual service fees owed by higher education institutions. She noted that several institutions had accumulated years of unpaid obligations but have since begun settling their debts following engagements with the Commission.
Additionally, Dr. Cassell announced plans for a nationwide reassessment of universities and colleges operating in Liberia. The exercise, she said, will evaluate institutions’ compliance with accreditation standards and determine which schools and academic programs are qualified to continue operating.
She revealed that funding support for the reassessment has been secured through the Government of Liberia and expressed optimism that the process will begin in the coming months.
At the conclusion of the reassessment, NCHE is expected to publish an updated list of accredited institutions and programs. Schools that fail to meet required standards could face suspension or closure, while compliant institutions will receive approval to continue operations.
The Commission says the exercise forms part of broader efforts to improve quality assurance, strengthen accountability, and protect the integrity of higher education in Liberia.
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