MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In an uncompromising statement issued on Friday, November 16, 2024, Assistant Minister for Information Services Matthew Nyanplu fiercely condemned the government’s $25 million agreement with NEKOTECH for a work-study scholarship program. Nyanplu, known for his bold criticism of bad governance and corruption, described the deal as a “scam” and called on Liberians to avoid investing even “one cent” in what he characterized as a fraudulent program. He accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, of facilitating a massive deception targeting vulnerable students and their families.
Nyanplu’s statement, titled “Liberians Should Not Invest 1-Kobo in NEKOTECH Scam Program,” outlined numerous issues with the program. According to him, the arrangement is a “colossal embarrassment” to the government and the Liberian people. He stated that Foreign Minister Nyanti must take full responsibility for the debacle, declaring, “No amount of face-saving on this national disgrace will help the Foreign Minister. Either she owns up to this colossal embarrassment or Liberians must refuse to participate in this deceptive scheme.”
Central to Nyanplu’s critique was his assertion that NEKOTECH falsely claims that Liberians need third-party services to apply for graduate programs in the United States. He noted that most U.S. universities already recognize Liberian credentials, rendering services like those offered by NEKOTECH unnecessary. “You do not need any third party to take money from you for something you can do for yourself,” Nyanplu emphasized, adding that tests like TOEFL or IELTS are often not required for admission to U.S. graduate schools for Liberians.
Nyanplu further criticized NEKOTECH’s promotion of “work-study” opportunities as deceptive. He explained that legitimate U.S. work-study programs are federally funded and designed to assist students with financial need. By labeling their program as “work-study,” NEKOTECH is engaging in what Nyanplu called “blatant lies” to mislead applicants. He warned that the organization’s claims are deliberately crafted to excite desperate students while exploiting them financially.
The Assistant Minister also highlighted NEKOTECH’s misrepresentation of employment opportunities under the F1 student visa program. According to him, the organization falsely guarantees a three-year work opportunity for all participants. Nyanplu clarified that only STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates are eligible for a conditional two-year extension beyond the standard one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. This extension, he noted, is not automatic and depends on securing a job in the graduate’s field of study.
He described NEKOTECH’s claims about high earning potential for graduates as equally misleading. Nyanplu stated that entry-level salaries for F1 visa holders with OPT typically range from $45,000 to $55,000, far below the $80,000 to $200,000 figures advertised by NEKOTECH. He accused the organization of exploiting students’ hopes and dreams with grossly unrealistic projections of income and repayment possibilities.
Nyanplu also took issue with NEKOTECH’s claims of having direct ties to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. He dismissed these assertions as outright fabrications, emphasizing that visa applications are handled directly between the applicant and the U.S. government, without the involvement of third parties. “The U.S. Government does not allow third parties to intervene in visa applications,” Nyanplu stated. He warned Liberians not to fall for promises of guaranteed visas through NEKOTECH.
Adding to his criticism, Nyanplu condemned NEKOTECH for asking students to pay for airfare before securing admission or a visa. He labeled this practice as extortionate and predatory, pointing out that no airline would allow travel to the United States without a valid visa. He called on the government to immediately expel NEKOTECH from Liberia and ensure such schemes do not operate within the country.
Nyanplu also expressed outrage over NEKOTECH’s claim that its successful applicants earn high salaries and easily repay their loans. He demanded proof of these success stories, stating, “We probably need to see and hear from those successful ones.” He accused the organization of perpetuating false narratives to entice applicants into paying exorbitant fees.
Despite his criticism, Nyanplu offered a solution for Liberians seeking advanced education in the U.S. He invited interested individuals to consult him and other experienced professionals for free guidance on navigating the application process. “If you are interested in pursuing advanced studies in the U.S., come let’s have a conversation,” he said. “I was down that road before, and I and many others can guide you free of charge.”
In the wake of his public statement, Nyanplu revealed that the Information Minister warned him that his remarks could lead to his dismissal. However, he remained defiant, stating, “I did the post with a good conscience. The Liberian people must know the truth and not fall for this scam. I am prepared to be dismissed for exposing this fraud.” He emphasized that his duty to inform and protect the public outweighed any personal consequences.
The controversy has kindled public debate, with growing demands for accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
Nyanplu’s statement has drawn attention on social media, particularly on Facebook, where critics of the Boakai administration are demanding answers about how such a program was approved and why officials failed to thoroughly vet NEKOTECH’s claims. As the backlash intensifies, pressure is mounting on the Foreign Ministry to address what many are calling a serious lapse in governance and oversight.
