Representative Joe Proffers Debate for Increased Budgetary Allotment for the Grand Bassa University

CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: Grand Bassa County Electoral District #3 Representative Matthew Joe has called on the House of Representatives to increase the budgetary allocation for Grand Bassa University (GBU) in the 2026 fiscal year proposed budget, citing inequity in funding among county-based higher learning institutions.

During the Thursday, November 13, 2025, session, lawmakers deliberated on Representative Joe’s formal communication, which highlighted the need for greater investment in the university’s operations and academic programs.

Following plenary discussion, the House voted to forward the request to the Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance for detailed review and recommendations.

According to the communication, the 2026 Draft National Budget, amounting to approximately US$1.211 billion, allocates just US$871,802 to Grand Bassa University—the same amount the institution received in the 2025 fiscal year.

Representative Joe argued that this stagnation in funding does not reflect the university’s expanded academic responsibilities or its upgraded institutional status.

Established in 2008 as Grand Bassa County Community College, the school was granted full university status in 2021 by an Act of the Legislature, empowering it to offer bachelor’s degree programs similar to its counterparts in other counties.

However, the lawmaker noted a striking funding disparity: Lofa University receives US$2 million, Nimba University US$1.8 million and Bong Technical College US$1.5 million—amounts significantly higher than Grand Bassa University’s current allocation.

“Grand Bassa University continues to play a vital role in providing higher education opportunities for thousands of young people in our region, yet its budget remains disproportionately low compared to other institutions of similar standing. Increasing its allocation is essential for improving academic quality and operational efficiency,” the lawmaker said.

He also stressed that an increased budget would allow the university to improve faculty compensation, upgrade campus facilities, and strengthen information technology infrastructure—key areas necessary for advancing teaching, research, and student success.

In addition to advocating for GBU, Representative Joe urged his colleagues to consider budgetary increments for all underfunded county-based universities and colleges, including Pleebo Technical College, River Gee Technical College, Sinoe Community College, Harbel Community College, and Grand Gedeh Community College—each currently receiving less than US$1 million.

Representative Joe: “Investing in our regional universities and technical colleges is investing in the future of Liberia as education remains the most powerful tool for community development and national growth”.

The Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance is now tasked with the responsibility to examine the proposal as part of its ongoing review of the 2026 National Budget, before submitting recommendations to the House Plenary for further action.