Liberia: Governance Commission, Cuttington Sign 5-Year Capacity MoU

MONROVIA — The Governance Commission (GC) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Cuttington University to expand graduate education, professional development and capacity-building opportunities for its employees. By Gerald C. Koinyeneh The agreement, signed at the Cuttington University School of Graduate and Professional Studies in Monrovia, will allow eligible GC employees to pursue graduate and professional programs at preferential terms, including a proposed 20 percent tuition discount for eligible staff. The MoU, signed on September 22, establishes a framework for collaboration in graduate education, professional training, research and knowledge exchange. Speaking at the ceremony, Cuttington University President Dr. Romelle A. Horton commended the Governance Commission for investing in the professional development of its workforce, describing the partnership as an investment in human capital. Horton encouraged staff who benefit from the program to return to the Commission after completing their studies and apply their knowledge to its work. For his part, 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 said staff selection for participation would be transparent and competitive, while capacity development remains a key priority under the Commission’s five-year strategic plan. Under the agreement, GC employees will have opportunities to pursue master’s degree programs and other professional and academic courses offered by Cuttington’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Areas 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. What the Agreement Provides The MoU establishes a broader framework extending beyond graduate education. Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Dr. Rudolph Monsio Bropleh, Vice President, School of Graduate & Professional Studies at Cuttington University said, under its terms, Cuttington may provide customized training programs, workshops, seminars, executive education and certificate programs based on the needs of the Governance Commission. The two institutions may also collaborate on research projects, policy studies, conferences, seminars, public lectures and publications focused on governance, public administration and institutional reform. He said the agreement also provides for possible internship, research-placement and field-study opportunities for Cuttington graduate students at the Governance Commission, subject to GC policies and operational requirements. 20 Percent Tuition Discount 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. However, the MoU does not itself create a direct financial obligation for either party. It states that specific financial commitments, scholarships, sponsorships, training contracts or project expenditures would have to be covered by separate written agreements. The Governance Commission will be responsible for identifying and nominating eligible employees, encouraging participation in approved programs and supporting collaborative research and training activities where appropriate. Cuttington, meanwhile, will provide information on its academic programs, admission requirements and schedules, facilitate admission processing for qualified GC applicants, provide academic advising and student support, and implement agreed tuition arrangements. Five-Year Partnersh