Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar has expressed serious concern over the growing salary disparities among professors and teaching staff across Liberia’s higher education institutions. The Senator warned that such inconsistencies are causing frustration among university instructors and could soon trigger a nationwide protest if not urgently addressed.
Speaking during Tuesday’s session of the Liberian Senate, Senator Kogar requested plenary’s indulgence to summon key education and civil service authorities to explain the ongoing differences in salaries. He specifically called for the appearance of the Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), officials from the Ministry of Education, and the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) before the Senate.
According to Senator Kogar, his action stems from multiple complaints received from university instructors and professors across the country, particularly those at public colleges and universities, regarding unfair salary structures. He said some instructors with identical qualifications and teaching loads earn far less than their colleagues at other institutions, especially at the University of Liberia.
“Our attention has been drawn to waves of complaints by professional instructors at various colleges in Liberia about disparities in salary,” Senator Kogar told the plenary. “It is disheartening that individuals with the same qualifications are being paid differently. This situation discourages our educators and undermines the dignity of their profession.”
The Nimba County lawmaker emphasized the importance of harmonizing salaries within the education sector to promote fairness and morale among teachers. He cited Article 18 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which mandates equal pay for equal work, as the legal basis for his request.
“Consistent with Article 18 of our Constitution, there should be equal work for equal pay,” he stated. “If one instructor with a master’s degree earns $500 while another with the same qualification earns $1,500, that is a clear disparity that must be corrected.”
Senator Kogar further cautioned that the continued neglect of this issue could lead to widespread strikes and disruptions within the country’s higher education system. He noted that some instructors are already threatening to “drop chalk,” which could severely affect academic activities and the government’s reputation.
Following Senator Kogar’s communication, the Senate agreed to forward the matter to the Committee on Education and the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance for further review and recommendations.
Senator Kogar concluded by urging his colleagues to treat the issue with urgency and to ensure that the government upholds fairness and equity in the treatment of its educators.
“We must be proactive,” he said. “Let us act now to harmonize these salaries and avoid future embarrassment. Our teachers deserve dignity, and their welfare must be a national priority.”
