Former Assistant Minister for Information Services, Matthew Nyanplu, has once again turned the spotlight on President Joseph Boakai’s administration, this time uncovering troubling details about the controversial $25 million Nekotech Work-Study Program agreement. Now out of government, Nyanplu appears more resolute in his mission to expose what he calls the administration’s deceptive practices.
Taking to his Facebook page, Nyanplu revealed that a public announcement about the Nekotech program, originally posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had been mysteriously removed. He accused Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti of attempting to erase evidence to mislead Liberians. However, armed with screenshots of the original post, Nyanplu vowed to hold the administration accountable for what he described as a “broad day deception.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs took down this post like days ago. I can’t find it. Luckily, I have the screenshot, and I will use it to defend my case against this broad day deception of Liberians,” Nyanplu wrote.
The deleted post outlined the structure of the Nekotech Work-Study Program, which purportedly offers opportunities for Liberian students to secure U.S. scholarships. However, the program requires applicants to pay $236 for a “Readiness Program” and $2,500 for a “Prep School.” These fees are marketed as prerequisites for accessing scholarships, visa support, and other services under the program.
The now-deleted announcement emphasized that the program was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, warning Liberians to avoid unauthorized representations. It detailed a step-by-step process for participation, which included completing an online pre-qualification form, enrolling in a readiness program, and paying substantial fees.
Nyanplu did not mince words in his critique. He questioned the legitimacy of requiring participants to pay thousands of dollars for a program supposedly aimed at helping vulnerable Liberians access education abroad.
“How can Presidential Fellows be required to pay $236 for readiness school and $2,500 USD for Prep School?” he wrote.
The activist also called into question the Boakai administration’s judgment in endorsing such a program, labeling it as exploitative and ill-suited to serve the public interest.
This latest revelation is another blow to President Boakai’s government, which has faced mounting criticism for its handling of transparency and accountability. Nyanplu’s exposé underscores a growing perception that the administration is failing to protect the public from questionable schemes while purging whistleblowers.
The Nekotech controversy has reignited concerns about the administration’s commitment to the principles of good governance. Critics argue that instead of addressing the pressing needs of ordinary Liberians, the government has aligned itself with initiatives that place unnecessary financial burdens on its citizens.
Nyanplu’s accusations come amid broader allegations that the administration suppresses dissenting voices and whistleblowers. He has positioned himself as a defender of public interest, vowing to expose corruption and deception wherever it exists.
“Be vigilant and cautious of any unauthorized claims about the Nekotech Work-Study Program,” the deleted post had warned. Ironically, this admonition seems to resonate more with Nyanplu’s mission than with the administration’s actions.
With screenshots of the deleted post in hand, Nyanplu is determined to keep the Nekotech agreement in the public eye. His revelations add fuel to the growing calls for greater accountability from the Boakai administration, which campaigned on promises of transparency and integrity.
As the controversy unfolds, Liberians are left questioning whether the administration’s actions align with its campaign rhetoric. For Nyanplu, the answer is clear:
“This is broad day deception. Criminals are being shielded while whistleblowers are silenced. This, too, is Liberia.”
