The National Association of Principals is Committed to Improving Liberia's Education Sector

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: In a passionate and reform-driven address, the newly inducted President of the National Association of Liberian School Principals (NALSP), Darric Dennis, has pledged to lead a bold transformation of the country’s education system through innovation, collaboration, and uncompromising leadership.

Dennis’s commitment comes at a time when Liberia’s schools continue to grapple with systemic challenges, poor learning outcomes, and deteriorating public confidence.

The 9th induction ceremony of NALSP was held under the theme "Pioneering Change: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact," attracting key stakeholders, including county delegates, educators, and officials from the Ministry of Education.

Dennis’s installation was widely seen as a fresh opportunity to reposition the association and strengthen the role of school principals in shaping national education outcomes.

In his inaugural speech, he described Liberia’s education system as standing at a crossroads, pointing to critical issues such as under-trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure, outdated teaching methods, and weak community involvement.

He stated that Liberia’s education system is in crisis and requires decisive, visionary leadership that is not afraid to challenge the status quo.

Dennis laid out a strategic roadmap to reposition the association, promising to build members’ capacity through regular conferences, data-driven workshops, and tailored professional development programs.

He also committed to launching national initiatives to support students preparing for WASSCE examinations, while promoting evidence-based reforms to influence government education policy.

Dennis emphasized that unity among school principals will be the foundation of his administration while calling on members across all 15 counties to recommit themselves to the association’s core values of excellence, accountability, and service.

“This is not just an association; it is a family of educators bound by purpose,” he told attendees.

To ensure sustainability and compliance, Dennis proposed that the Ministry of Education mandate NALSP receipts as a prerequisite for granting school operational permits, arguing that such a policy would institutionalize membership and help strengthen the association’s financial and organizational base.

He revealed that despite being founded on March 16, 1965, the association still lacks a permanent office space, appealing for logistical support and urging strategic partnerships with local and international Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as development institutions, to support NALSP’s growth and Liberia’s broader educational development.

For his part, Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services, Sona T. Sesay, representing Education Minister Dr. Jarso Marley Jallah, challenged the new leadership to embrace innovation, inclusiveness, and ethical leadership.

The Assistant Education Minister acknowledged the incoming president’s track record and expressed optimism in his ability to drive change and build a legacy rooted in student-centered development.

Assistant Minister Sesay underscored the urgent need for reforms in school leadership, citing a national shortage of qualified teachers, over-aged students, and the impact of unqualified administrators on academic outcomes.

She urged education leaders to promote lifelong learning, technology integration, and the development of globally competent citizens.

The outgoing President, Dr. Benjamin Wehyee, in his farewell remarks, urged Dennis to lead with courage, honesty, and academic integrity.

He stressed that true leadership requires making tough decisions—even when they are unpopular—and standing firm on the principles of quality and fairness in education delivery.

Dennis’s election automatically makes him a Councilman on both the local and international boards of the West African Examination Council (WAEC), according to WAEC Liberia boss Dale Gbotoe.

With this new leadership, hopes are high that NALSP will finally become a forceful advocate for real change in Liberia’s struggling education system.