Tappita City, Nimba County — A ground breaking ceremony in Tappita City, Nimba county on Saturday, June 6 showcased broad community backing for a new vocational education and training (VET) program aimed at expanding skills and employment opportunities for youth in the region.
By D. Franklin Doloquee / Nimba County
The Director General of the Agriculture Industrial Training Bureau (AITB), Abraham Billy, said the event reflected “overwhelming support” from residents of Tappita City and Lower Nimba County for efforts to equip young people with practical and career-ready skills.
He intimated that institutions across the area had joined forces to support establishment of the VET Center.
Mr. Billy said the program responses to a persistent capacity gap that has limited young Liberians’ access to jobs and participation in local industry.
He pointed to rising enrollment figures in vocational programs as evidence of growing interest: 9 percent in 2022, 12 percent in 2023, 26 percent in 2024 and more than 50 percent in 2025.
“The data show a clear appetite among our youth for capacity building,” Mr. Billy stated. “By improving standards and strengthening implementation of trade programs, we can raise institutions to regional and international levels.”
Mr. Billy described the AITB’s role in the initiative, saying the bureau will set standards, support capacity enhancement and help vocational institutions upgrade their programs.
The government also plans to reopen several previously neglected vocational schools, including institutions in Bong and Bomi counties, to broaden access to training outside the capital.
“Many TVET institutions were abandoned in previous years,” Mr. Billy asserted.
“This government has decided to reopen them so young people across the country can develop skills that contribute to national development.”
Director Billy thanked local partners and stakeholders for their support and urged continued engagement with the national government and development partners to prioritize technical and vocational education.
Tappita Vocational Training Institute ( TVTI ) opens doors, authorities pledge support and oversight.
Local and national officials praised the Tappita Vocational Training Institute at the ground breaking, calling the school a long-awaited opportunity for youth in the Tappita area and pledging continued oversight to ensure training meets national standards.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director Billy highlighted the school’s potential to channel local talent into employment opportunities.
A senior representative of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Board (AITB) said several vocational and training schools across the country will soon be added to the national registry, bringing the number of supervised Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVA) institutions to 166.
“We are monitoring and evaluating TVA programs across the country to ensure alignment with national standards,” the AITB official said.
“We can assure you this institution has performed to our satisfaction,” he added.
