The Governance Commission (GC) of Liberia has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cuttington University. The agreement, signed on September 22, aims to expand graduate education, professional development, and capacity-building opportunities for GC employees. The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in graduate education, professional training, research, and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.
Under the agreement, eligible GC employees will have the opportunity to pursue master's degree programs and other professional and academic courses offered by Cuttington's School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The areas of study identified under the partnership include Public Administration, Development Studies, Public Sector Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Peace and Conflict Studies. The first cohort of GC employees is expected to enroll during the upcoming academic semester.
Cuttington University President, Dr. Romelle A. Horton, commended the Governance Commission for investing in the professional development of its workforce. He described the partnership as an investment in human capital and encouraged staff who benefit from the program to return to the Commission after completing their studies and apply their knowledge to its work.
Governance Commission Executive Director, Jallah C. Kesselly, described the agreement as a strategic step toward developing a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Liberia's governance and public-sector reform efforts. Kesselly emphasized that staff selection for participation would be transparent and competitive, while capacity development remains a key priority under the Commission's five-year strategic plan.
The MoU also provides for customized training programs, workshops, seminars, executive education, and certificate programs based on the needs of the Governance Commission. Additionally, the two institutions may collaborate on research projects, policy studies, conferences, seminars, public lectures, and publications focused on governance, public administration, and institutional reform.
One of the specific provisions of the agreement is a proposed 20 percent tuition discount for eligible Governance Commission employees, subject to Cuttington's institutional policies and approval processes. The university may also provide flexible payment arrangements and other support mechanisms agreed upon by the two institutions.
The partnership reflects an effort by the Governance Commission and Cuttington University to strengthen links between higher education and Liberia's public-sector institutions, with the stated goal of improving professional skills, institutional effectiveness, and public-sector performance. The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of five years following its execution, with periodic coordination meetings to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
Key points
- The Governance Commission and Cuttington University have signed a five-year agreement to enhance staff capacity through graduate education and professional development.
- The agreement provides for a proposed 20 percent tuition discount for eligible Governance Commission employees.
- The partnership aims to improve professional skills, institutional effectiveness, and public-sector performance in Liberia.
