President George Weah of Liberia has requested for 6000 teachers from the Nigerian government to help boost his country’s educational system.
The Nigerian teachers, he said, would make up for the shortage of good teachers in Liberia.
Weah made this known on Monday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Weah who spoke with State House correspondents shortly after meeting with Buhari said Nigeria’s assistance in some technical areas had been crucial.
His words: “Your sustained technical assistance for capacity building in these sectors is most welcome. For example, Nigerian teachers and medical volunteers to Liberia, under the Technical Assistance Corps TAC) Agreement with Liberia, have been very crucial in boosting capacity development in Liberia, and it is my hope that this assistance can be considerably increased to address with urgency our most pressing socio-economic needs at this time.
“More specifically, under the Bilateral Teacher Exchange programme, we are seeking 6,000 plus teachers to make up for the shortage of good teachers in our educational system.”
Speaking generally, Weah said he inherited some problems and would need the assistance of Nigeria to solve them.
He was full of praises for Nigeria for the assistance in ensuring the return of peace to Liberia and thanked Buhari for the support.
He spoke further: “Our people have voted for change, and for hope. And change is finally here. But mere political change is meaningless without development, prosperity and growth.
“Your Excellency, we need Nigeria’s help to jump-start our economy. You played a major role in bringing peace to Liberia, you reformed our Army and today it is performing its duties to the highest professional standards. As we speak, they are serving in a peace-keeping mission in Mali.
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“You have also built and expanded the capacities of Liberians in so many ways. For example, during our recent observance of Armed Forces Day in Liberia, we were informed that two of our military personnel will soon be graduating as pilots from one of your esteemed institutions.
“We would like to see a continuation and expansion of that programme, for both men and women.”
Speaking on the business activities between Liberia and Nigeria, he gave assurance that there would be increase in the near future.
“Liberian banking sector is dominated by Nigerian banks, and I am made to understand that their Head offices in Nigeria may be considering reducing their support or even shutting them down because of the recent downturn in our economy.
“If this is true, I urge them not to do so, as l am optimistic that trade and commerce will increase in the near future.
“There are also major shortcomings in the electricity and power sectors, in road construction, in housing, in mining, and in fisheries, to name a few, that could be of serious interest to Nigerian investors, either as individuals or companies, or through joint-ventures or public-private partnerships,” he said.
He invited Nigerians to come to Liberia to explore the many new opportunities for investment that abound to increase under the new political dispensation.
He said it would be a rewarding experience.
“On a personal note, President Buhari, it is my intention, with all due respect and affection, to frequently seek your wise counsel and advice as we embark upon this arduous task of nation-building, reconstruction, and transformation of my country.
“Nigeria’s historical benevolence towards Liberia cannot be quantified. And once again, we seek your urgent and critical assistance,” he appealed.
