SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba – Senator Thomas Grupee has informed attendees at the second graduation and convocation ceremony of the Nimba County Community College that the government has apportioned US$ 1 million to the college in its budget for the upcoming year.

According to Grupee, the college started with US$ 250,000 as government subsidy back in 2010, but that amount has increased due to a continual rise in enrollment at the college. He made the announcement during a brief remark at the ceremony held over the weekend in Sanniquellie.

“NCCC budget was US$ 250,000, even though the enrollment at NCCC was more than Grand Bassa or the Grand Bassa Community College,” he said.

Grupee claimed that the Grand Bassa Community College has had the benefit of a higher budgetary allotment from the government due to the advocacy from Grand Bassa legislators.

“We [Nimba Legislators] were able to push the budget [of NCCC] up, and today the GOL compensation to this institution is about a million dollars,” Grupee said.

He added that Nimba, like Montserrado, should have a college that offers a bachelor’s degree program.

“No other county in Liberia, besides Montserrado, has even up to 10 high schools,” he said. “And Nimba County, having 38 high schools – both private and public – is deserving [of] a four-year college here in Nimba.”

Grupee said the Nimba Legislative Caucus would lend its unwavering support to the college through its County Development Funds.

NCCC received US$ 60,000 from the County Development Fund during the last fiscal year. As the county prepares for the next County Council Sitting to determine the plan of action for the coming fiscal year, Grupee said, “Next year, we stand prepared to step it up.”

Grupee currently serves as chairman of the Internal Affairs and Good Governance Committee within the Liberian Senate.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah