Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called for urgent reforms to ensure inclusive education policies across West Africa, urging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to implement measures that accommodate students with disabilities. Speaking at the 73rd Annual WAEC Council Meeting in Monrovia on March 18, 2025, the President emphasized the need for equitable access to education and testing, advocating for policy changes that would provide students with disabilities the support they need to succeed.
“Today, I urge WAEC to recognize the urgency and importance of creating inclusive examination policies and practices,” Boakai said. “It is essential that we design testing environments that are accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to showcase their skills and earn the qualifications they deserve.”
Liberia’s Education Struggles and the Need for Reform
Liberia’s education system has long faced structural challenges. The country endured severe setbacks during the 14-year civil war (1989-2003), which decimated school infrastructure and disrupted formal education. A decade later, the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak further hampered progress, leading to extended school closures and learning loss.
Today, Liberia still struggles with low literacy rates and high dropout numbers. According to UNICEF, only about 54% of children complete primary school, and youth literacy rates hover around 63%. Many children, particularly those from marginalized communities and students with disabilities, face barriers that prevent them from receiving a quality education.
Boakai urged stakeholders to take immediate steps to address these issues, stating:
“By implementing accommodations such as additional time, alternative formats, special care, and accessible testing locations, we can break down the barriers that hinder our students with disabilities. We can foster an educational landscape where every learner is empowered and given the chance to shine—‘even brighter than people expect them to shine.’”
A Regional Call for Action
WAEC plays a crucial role in determining educational policies in West Africa. As the body responsible for administering standardized examinations in Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, WAEC’s policies directly impact millions of students. However, in many parts of the region, students with disabilities remain at a disadvantage due to inaccessible learning environments and standardized assessments that do not account for their unique needs.
Boakai stressed the importance of integrating technology and modernized testing methods to ensure inclusivity. “As we live in a digital age, let us adapt our educational methods to integrate technology, fostering digital literacy among our students,” he said.
His recommendations include:
Extended Exam Time: Many students with disabilities require additional time to complete exams due to learning challenges, mobility impairments, or other conditions.
Alternative Testing Formats: Exams should be available in braille, large print, and digital formats for visually impaired students.
Specialized Testing Centers: Establishing examination centers equipped with assistive technology and trained personnel to support students with disabilities.
By adopting these measures, WAEC can set a precedent for inclusive education policies across West Africa.
Investing in a More Inclusive Future
While advocating for policy changes is essential, Boakai acknowledged that tangible action is needed to implement these reforms. Liberia’s government has pledged to increase investments in education, including teacher training, infrastructure development, and digital learning tools.
International organizations such as the World Bank and USAID have also played a role in supporting Liberia’s education sector. Expanding partnerships with these institutions could help fund initiatives aimed at making schools more accessible for all students.
The President urged regional collaboration, calling on WAEC to “hear the voices of those who are often unseen and champion the rights of all learners as we strive for a truly equitable education system for our nation and region as well.”
Conclusion
President Boakai’s address at the WAEC Annual Council Meeting reinforced Liberia’s commitment to fostering an education system that leaves no student behind. His call for inclusive policies challenges WAEC to modernize its assessment framework, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive.
“As we move forward, let us be guided by our shared commitment to progress and the belief that education is the key to unlocking potential,” Boakai concluded. “I urge each one of you to join me in this vital mission, as together, we can create a more just society where every voice is heard and every dream is nurtured.”
With education remaining a cornerstone of Liberia’s development, Boakai’s call for inclusivity marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to build a fairer and more accessible education system for all.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
