By Onesimus S. Garway, Grand Bassa County Correspondent
BUCHANAN, July 8 (LINA) – Following the submission of a bill by the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus through Representative Matthew Fairplay Joe, the House of Representatives of the 54th National Legislature has passed a bill granting the Grandn Bassa Community College a University status.
The Lower House passed the bill during its Tuesday, July 6, Session when the Committee on Education presented before Plenary a deliberation that displayed a favorable light for the College to run Bachelor’s Degree programs under the leadership of Dr. Samuel K. Monwell.
The College was established in 2008 by an Act of Legislature during the administration of ex- President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf after the youths of Grand Bassa County petitioned their Legislative Caucus and the local County Administration to establish a Community College instead of purchasing earth-moving equipment.
The need for the University intensified after GBCC held four graduation ceremonies and was gearing for its fifth graduation exercise; a process that began from the Administration of Dr. Nathaniel Gbassagee and Dr. Samuel B. Reeves as presidents of the institution.
In a communication to Speaker Bhofal Chambers, the Grand Bassa County
Legislative Caucus said: « Having applied to the National Commission on
Higher Education for elevation of the GBCC to a four-year degree granting institution, the Grand Bassa Community College Administration along with other stakeholders worked assiduously with the NCHE to determine the preparedness of the College to be elevated as requested ».
They further stated; « Upon completion of its assessment of infrastructural facilities, academic programs, financial sustainability plan and staff development plan; the NCHE has agreed for the elevation of GBCC to offer Bachelor (BSC) programs. In view of the above, we are pleased to submit for Plenary’s passage, a Draft Act to elevate the GBCC to a four-year degree granting institution ».
According to Rep. Joe, whose District hosts the Community College, the bill was passed as a result of the sustainability plan submitted by the College Administration in addition to significant components of the general package regarding quality academic delivery.
« I will reach out to the two Senators of Grand Bassa and the Education Committee of the Upper House for speedy passage of the Grand Bassa University Bill, »
Representative Joe asserted.
He added: « The instrument is not about political glory or a personality issue, but for the greater good of the County and future generations. »
The institution’s existence has drastically reduced the relocation of many citizens to Monrovia to seek higher education; a situation that created constraints for hundreds of residents of Grand Bassa County in the past three decades.
In a communication written to Representative Bhofal Chambers, Speaker of the 54th National Legislature, the members of the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus in the Lower House said the institution’s existence has drastically reduced the relocation of many citizens to Monrovia to seek higher education; a situation that had created constraints for hundreds of residents of Bassa in the past.
In another development, the lawmaker has presented a communication pleading for a US$1.2 million allotment in the National Budget for the reconstruction of the damaged bridge that serves as a « death trap » for thousands of students and residents of Paynesberry Community in Buchanan City.
The Electoral District #3 Legislator said he is hopeful that his colleagues will enshrine into the budget such fund, considering the years of insecurity the bridge created in the community.
It can be recalled that during the recent tour of President George Weah in the county, the reconstruction of the bridge was highlighted by the Caucus; something that prompted the Liberian Leader to request them to prioritize it in the National Budget for his swift approval.
