National Commission on Higher Education NCHE

Overview

The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) is the statutory body in Liberia charged with regulating, accrediting, and monitoring higher education institutions. Established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1989, NCHE ensures that post-secondary education institutions meet defined standards of quality and relevance, supporting the development and integrity of Liberia’s higher education sector. According to uniRank, NCHE is a vital institution promoting academic excellence and broader access to learning nationwide.

Historical and Legal Framework

NCHE was created under the National Legislature’s 1989 Act, which formalized its authority to oversee higher education policy, licensing, accreditation, and institutional standards. A proposed 2016 draft Act aimed to enhance its regulatory authority, including the creation of an autonomous accreditation center and clearer frameworks for planning, accreditation, and evaluation. The 1989 Act already charged NCHE with evaluating institutions, approving new programs, and advising government on development priorities.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

NCHE’s mission is to ensure high-quality, accessible, and equitable higher education across the country. Its objectives include:

• Regulating licensing and accreditation of post-secondary institutions and programs.
• Ensuring institutional compliance with national standards for infrastructure, faculty, governance, and curriculum.
• Facilitating development of a coherent national higher education master plan.
• Promoting research, innovation, and strategic program development aligned with national needs.
• Protecting students and stakeholders by shutting down unaccredited institutions.

Governance, Structure and Independence

NCHE operates under the government of Liberia but with some regulatory autonomy. Its structure includes a Board of Commissioners, led by a Director-General, currently Dr. Edward L. Wonkeryor. NCHE oversees divisions such as Quality Assurance, Planning & Research, and institutional development. While statutory, NCHE maintains independence in executing accreditation, monitoring, and policy advising functions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

NCHE requires licensure for operation and offers voluntary accreditation to institutions. The process includes self-assessment, documentation review, and inspection by quality assurance teams. NCHE has recognized 80 higher learning institutions with credentials ranging from Associate to PhD offerings, including two doctoral-granting universities. It issues updated "Basic Standards" for accreditation covering legal status, infrastructure, curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and financial planning. Institutions failing to meet standards have been suspended or shut down—a recent example includes 31 closures and 22 suspensions in 2025 following regulatory enforcement.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NCHE has begun engaging internationally to enhance its capacity. It has collaborated with Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology on credential verification and curriculum alignment. NCHE also partnered with TESTS/USAID to introduce Early Childhood programs and secure technical support for offices. NCHE’s website references partnerships with regional and international quality assurance groups to align with broader ECOWAS and global standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NCHE’s recent actions—including nationwide inspection exercises, updated standards, accreditation enforcement, and institutional closures—are shaping a more regulated and trustworthy higher education environment. Its oversight is expected to drive quality improvements, institutional accountability, and public trust. NCHE has also expressed intent to elevate itself to autonomous or ministerial status to improve its influence and operational capacity.

Summary

The National Commission on Higher Education serves as Liberia's cornerstone institution for ensuring standards and integrity in higher education. Rooted in legislative authority since 1989, NCHE’s mission includes accrediting institutions, safeguarding students, and guiding policy. Through proactive regulation, partnerships, and enforcement, NCHE is driving reform and capacity-building in Liberia’s higher education sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is NCHE?
  NCHE is Liberia’s regulatory body responsible for licensing, accrediting, and monitoring higher education institutions.
• When was NCHE established?
  NCHE was established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1989.
• How many institutions does NCHE recognize?
  As of mid-2024, NCHE has recognized 80 institutions: 2 doctoral, 11 master’s, 35 bachelor’s, and 31 associate degree-granting institutions.
• What happens to unaccredited institutions?
  NCHE has closed or suspended unaccredited institutions; in 2025 alone over 50 institutions faced action for noncompliance.
• Is NCHE seeking greater autonomy?
  Yes, NCHE has proposed legislative revisions to elevate its status to an autonomous agency or ministry to enhance its regulatory effectiveness.

Organization Name

National Commission on Higher Education

Acronym

NCHE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1989

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

S.D. Cooper Road, Paynesville City
Monrovia
Montserrado Liberia

Phone

+231 888744848

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

National Commission on Higher Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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