Liberia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector is grappling with a severe shortage of qualified instructors, with a gap estimated at 43 percent across key trade programmes. The revelation was made by the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau (AITB), raising alarm over the future of skills development and workforce readiness in the country.
Wesley Nyenatoh Sr., Deputy Director General for Technical Services, disclosed the findings during the graduation ceremony of instructors trained under the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) Liberia.
Speaking on behalf of the AITB Director General, Mr. Nyenatoh explained that a recent gap analysis and compliance monitoring exercise revealed widespread deficiencies in instructional capacity. In many institutions, instructors are teaching subjects outside their areas of formal training, undermining the credibility of TVET programmes.
“When the quality of instruction declines, employers begin to question the competence of graduates,” Nyenatoh cautioned. “That has real consequences for job opportunities.” He stressed that the shortage of qualified instructors is a major factor behind employers’ reluctance to fully recognize TVET certifications, thereby weakening confidence in graduates entering the job market.
Despite these challenges, Nyenatoh praised IECD Liberia’s intervention as critical in addressing gaps in instructor training and raising standards across the sector. He commended the institution’s continued support for skills development, noting that a strong TVET system depends largely on capable and well-trained instructors.
Addressing the newly graduated instructors, Nyenatoh urged them to take their roles seriously, not only as skilled professionals but also as educators shaping the next generation of workers. “You are not only expected to know your trade, but to teach it effectively. The future of the workforce depends on what you pass on,” he emphasized.
He reaffirmed AITB’s commitment to improving instructor standards, strengthening certification systems, and expanding training opportunities. Partnerships with organizations like IECD, he said, are vital to ensuring that training remains aligned with industry needs and global best practices.
While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Nyenatoh expressed confidence that sustained collaboration and investment can restore credibility to Liberia’s TVET sector. “With the right support, our training institutions can produce graduates who meet the demands of the job market and drive national development,” he concluded.
