The NEWS (Monrovia)
Benjamin B. Sworh
3 July 2008
Monrovia — Education Minister Dr. Joseph D. Z. Korto says government has appropriated US$500,572.60 in the 2008/2009 draft National Budget for five private universities in the country.
Dr. Korto made the disclosure Wednesday when he appeared before the joint legislative sub-committees on Appropriation and Expenditure to justify budgetary allocation for his ministry.
The Education Minister said the subsidy was intended to buttress the universities' efforts in addressing the needs of their institutions.
According to him, universities benefiting from the subsidy include, the Cuttington University College with the amount of US$357,260, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University College, African Methodist Episcopal University, Stella Maris Polytechnic University and the United Methodist University with US$50,000 each.
He further indicated that the five universities are being assisted with funding because they are duly recognized by the National Commission on Higher Education to operate in the country.
When quizzed on the decentralization of higher institutions of learning, Dr. Korto said three junior colleges are expected to begin operations in September this year.
According to Minister Korto, the Voinjama Multilateral High School in Lofa and the Zwedru Multilateral High School in Grand Gedeh counties would be used temporarily, while the Technical School constructed in Nimba would also be used as one of the colleges.
The Education Minister also disclosed that the decentralization of higher institutions of learning was one of the government's visions.
He said that scholarships would be provided to counties' Superintendents for schools in their respective areas.
He, however, did not say how many scholarships would be provided to each county, but pointed out that appropriations would be based on the population of the county.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Walter Gwenigale who also appeared before the committee indicated that US$13 million appropriated for his ministry was insufficient to adequately address the heath needs of the country.
He said doctors assigned in the remote areas were given US$1,000 each as allowances, while those in other counties were paid US$700 to US$800.00 monthly.
The Health Minister indicated that the allowance paid to doctors is provided by the Global Fund and other sources.
He assured that government should do everything possible to ensure that salaries and other benefits intended for medical practitioners are provided.
The Chairman of the joint sub-committee on Appropriation and Expenditure, Senator Blamo Nelson said the aim of the gathering was to ensure that the National Legislature quiz relevant authorities on how allotments would be used.
Meanwhile, authorities of the ministries of Finance, Justice and Presidential Affairs, Internal Affairs, the National Elections Commission and the Bureau of the Budget are expected to appear before the committee on Friday.
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