Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia, June 30, 2026 – Bong County Electoral District #7 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh has submitted a bill to the House of Representatives seeking the establishment of the Bong Mines Vocational Training Institute (BMVTI) in Bong Mines City, Fuamah District, Lower Bong County.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The bill seeks to establish the Bong Mines Vocational Training Institute as a public institution of higher technical education aimed at expanding access to vocational and professional training for young Liberians, particularly residents of Bong Mines, Fuamah District, Lower Bong County and neighboring communities.
According to the proposed legislation, the institute would operate as a corporate body under the governance of an eleven-member Board of Trustees and would offer specialized training in several technical disciplines, including electricity, electronics, auto and machinery, carpentry and woodwork, plumbing and masonry, agricultural science, general construction, computer science, refrigeration technology, drafting and architectural drawings, and allied health.
When established, the institute intends to promote technical education, research, workforce development, and self-reliance while providing equal educational opportunities consistent with Article 6 of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees access to education for all citizens.
Under the proposed governance structure, the President of Liberia would serve as Visitor and Chairman Ex-officio of the Board of Trustees, while the Ministers of Education, Health, and Finance and Development Planning would serve as ex-officio members. Other members would include representatives from the National Legislature, faculty, alumni, civil society, religious institutions, local government, and the District Education Board.
The legislation further outlines the qualifications and responsibilities of the institute’s President and senior administrators, financial management procedures, auditing requirements, tax exemptions, and provisions governing the acquisition of property to support the institution’s operations.
Funding for the institute would come from government budgetary appropriations, tuition and training fees, grants, donations, investments, and other legally generated revenues.
If enacted into law, the legislation provides that the Bong Mines Vocational Training Institute would take immediate effect upon publication in handbill.
Following the reading of the instrument, a motion was proffered and voted for the proposed legislation to be forwarded to the Joint Committee comprising the House Committees on Ways, Means and Finance, Judiciary, and Education, with the Committee on Education designated as the lead committee for further review.
As part of its mandate, the joint committee is to examine the proposed legislation and report its findings and recommendations before the close of the current legislative session.
Rep. Fahnbulleh is hopeful that a favorable report comes before plenary before lawmakers adjourn the current session, after which the bill will be considered for debate and possible passage.
Accordingly, if passed at the level of the House of Representatives, the instrument will be forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence and subsequently to the President to be signed into Handbill before the operationalization of the institution.
