Education Minister Alleges Hidden Agenda Behind MCSS Student Protest

Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah has strongly condemned the recent protest by students of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), describing it as a "plot" orchestrated for personal gain rather than genuine concerns.
Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, Dr. Jallah asserted that certain individuals had manipulated students into staging the demonstration in an attempt to tarnish the government’s image. 
She maintained that the government has been meeting its obligations to the education sector and found the protest concerning.
The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), which oversees several public schools in the capital, operates on an annual budget of $4.2 million USD, according to the Minister. 
Of this amount, $3.9 million USD is allocated for salaries, ensuring that teachers receive their wages.
Dr. Jallah emphasized that MCSS teachers had been paid their salaries and questioned the motives behind the demonstration. 
"This is not a case of salary arrears. Teachers have been paid. So, who is truly behind this?" she asked.
According to the Minister, certain individuals are the "actual conspirators" behind the protest and are using students as tools to advance their own agendas. 
She warned against misleading young minds for political or personal motives.
Expressing disappointment, Dr. Jallah described the protest as unfortunate, stating that it disrupted the learning environment and deprived students of valuable instructional time. 
“Students deserve a safe and conducive space to learn, not to be used as pawns in someone’s political game,” she remarked.
Authorities are now working to uncover the real masterminds behind the protest. Dr. Jallah disclosed that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to identify those responsible for instigating the unrest.
"The police will establish the actual individuals behind this situation, and appropriate action will be taken," she assured.
While student protests are not uncommon in Liberia, the Education Minister’s remarks suggest a deeper tension between the government and those allegedly fueling the demonstrations.
The recent protest saw students taking to the streets, demanding better learning conditions. While some claim the protest was a response to issues such as inadequate school resources and administrative concerns, Dr. Jallah insists that it was politically motivated.
Parents and education stakeholders remain divided on the issue. Some argue that students should not be subjected to political manipulation, while others believe that the protest highlights legitimate grievances that should be addressed.
Meanwhile, MCSS officials have yet to release an official statement on the matter. However, some teachers, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenges within the education sector but distanced themselves from claims of being unpaid.
The unfolding situation raises concerns about the politicization of student activism and the role of external influences in Liberia’s education system.