The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission and the University of Liberia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of an Energy Auditing curriculum at the University of Liberia, marking a significant step toward strengthening national capacity in energy efficiency and energy management.
The partnership aims to equip current and future professionals with the knowledge and skills required to promote efficient energy use and support Liberia’s growing electricity sector. The signing ceremony took place June 15, 2026, at the University of Liberia Fendell Campus.
Under the agreement, the University of Liberia will develop a comprehensive curriculum covering energy audit standards, compliance requirements, energy efficiency practices, and related regulatory frameworks. The University will also provide recommendations for periodic updates to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with evolving energy policies, technological advancements, and applicable laws and regulations.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, on behalf of the University, and Claude J. Katta, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of LERC, on behalf of the Commission.
The signing ceremony was attended by faculty members of the University of Liberia, as well as members of the LERC Board of Commissioners, the Managing Director, and staff of the Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan described the agreement as the beginning of a new era for both the energy sector and the University of Liberia.
“This is the beginning of a new dawn in the energy sector and for the University of Liberia,” Dr. Maparyan said. “This initiative will create a network of trained professionals in a specialized area that is critical to national development. We are honored that the University of Liberia has been selected to undertake this important task among the country’s higher education institutions.”
She reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement and expressed optimism about expanding future collaboration with the Commission.
The signing of the MoU with the University of Liberia comes just days after LERC entered another strategic partnership with IECD Liberia aimed at strengthening the licensing and certification of electrical professionals and contractors across the country.
In a related development, on June 12, 2026, LERC and IECD Liberia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the implementation of the Certified Liberia Electrical Professionals and Contractors Registration (CLEPCR) Program and other initiatives designed to enhance the competence and professionalism of Liberia’s electrical workforce.
Under that agreement, IECD Liberia will support key activities including the development of practical laboratory infrastructure at the LOIC Gbarnga Satellite Campus, the establishment and convening of an Examinations Development and Evaluation Committee, the finalization of interview panel guidelines, the development of certification examination blueprints, and the conduct of mock examinations.
The partnership will also support the scheduling and administration of regional written and practical certification examinations, application reviews, examination printing and security arrangements, deployment of examination personnel, evaluation of examination results, and regional interviews for certification candidates.
Speaking during the IECD signing ceremony, Mr. Alexander Vial, Country Director of IECD Liberia, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in supporting workforce development initiatives in Liberia.
“If we are all here together today, we also have to thank the Agence Française de Développement, whose support through the STRIVE Project has enabled us to operate in Liberia over the years,” Vial said. “As the project approaches its conclusion, it is gratifying to see us reaching this important stage of collaboration with LERC. The certification initiative is a critical and impactful project, and we are very pleased to be part of it.”
Mr. Vial reaffirmed IECD Liberia’s commitment to supporting LERC through workshops, technical assistance, and other activities outlined in the agreement.
In separate remarks, LERC Board Chairman Claude J. Katta expressed appreciation to both the University of Liberia and IECD Liberia for their partnerships with the Commission.
He noted that the two agreements demonstrate a shared commitment to building the technical and professional capacity needed to support a safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity sector in Liberia.
The partnerships form part of LERC’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve professional standards within the electricity industry, and develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the country’s growing energy needs.
This version is written in a newspaper/news release style and integrates both the UL and IECD partnerships into a single comprehensive story.
