The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) University has been cleared by the National Commission on Higher Education, which operates under the Ministry of Education, and is now free to operate in the Republic of Liberia as a full fledged higher institution of learning.

The Commission on November 9, 2005 issued the AME University a temporary certificate thereby giving the University the right and privilege to operate under the laws of the country.

The certificate titled, "Temporary Permit to Operate Higher Education Institution in the Republic of Liberia," reads: "Having met the minimum criteria set forth by the National Commission on Higher Education to operate a Higher Education Institution in the Republic of Liberia, the African Methodist Episcopal University is hereby granted this Temporary permit to operate in the City/Town of Monrovia " The certificate bears the signature of Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, then Minister of Education, and Dr. Isaac Roland, Director-General of the National Commission on Higher Education.

Though called temporary permit, Ministry of Education sources told The Analyst that the permit is legal and binding. "This is just the pattern; the Ministry first issues the temporary permit. That does not mean it is not valid - it is very much valid," our source said.

On May 30, 2005 the Ministry of Education published a document placing the AME University in category five of higher institutions of learning which were chartered by the Legislature without recommendation by the National Commission on Higher Education.

At the time, the AME University was the only school under category five that is chartered by the Legislature without recommendation by the National Commission on Higher Education and that did not receive temporary permit but was operating without recognition.

But now that the University has received its operational permit, the AME is now in gear to operate freely and legally under the laws.

AME University President Levi Zangay told The Analyst that he was happy that the Ministry has cleared the AME University and issued it certificate to operate.