MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Assistant Minister for Information Services, Matthew Nyanplu, has criticized President Joseph Boakai’s administration for its continued promotion of the controversial NEKOTECH work-study program. “A dishonest government is a disgrace to the nation,” he wrote, urging Liberians to avoid falling victim to the initiative. In a detailed Facebook post, Nyanplu labeled the program a “scam” and accused the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), led by Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, of misleading the public.
Nyanplu expressed disgrace that MICAT allowed representatives of NEKOTECH to speak during its regular press briefing on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, perpetuating what he called “false promises” about the program’s viability.
According to Nyanplu, NEKOTECH’s reliance on Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing as funding sources is highly questionable. He argued that these institutions do not offer the full financial support required for international students studying in the United States. “Prodigy Finance does not fund students from Liberia, and MPower Financing only covers up to $50,000 per year. Neither of these organizations can fund 100% of a student’s expenses,” Nyanplu explained. He also pointed out that the average annual tuition at top U.S. graduate schools exceeds $50,000, excluding living expenses, making it impossible for NEKOTECH’s funding model to deliver on its promises.
Nyanplu raised concerns about the fees charged by NEKOTECH, including $236 for a “Readiness School” and $2,500 for a “Prep School,” questioning the whereabouts of the $25 million reportedly pledged by the Liberian government. He also highlighted an alleged discrepancy between claims made by the Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and MICAT about financial support for participants. “Where is the $625,000 that Minister Beysolow-Nyanti claimed would be used to help Liberians settle in the U.S.? Why should Liberians work through NEKOTECH instead of dealing directly with Prodigy Finance and MPower?” he asked.
Nyanplu criticized the government’s failure to educate Liberians about the realities of studying and working in the U.S., particularly regarding the limitations of Optional Practical Training (OPT). He noted that non-STEM graduates only receive one year of OPT, while STEM graduates may receive an additional two years. “The government is not being truthful about the challenges international students face in the U.S. job market,” Nyanplu wrote, adding that most U.S. employers are reluctant to sponsor international workers for H1-B visas due to the high cost and bureaucratic hurdles involved.
Nyanplu urged the government to abandon its promotion of the NEKOTECH program and instead invest directly in STEM education for Liberians. “If the government wants to educate Liberians in STEM, it should allocate funding in the national budget rather than subject citizens to a fruitless process,” he said.
The former assistant minister also criticized MICAT officials, including Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah and Foreign Minister Beysolow-Nyanti, accusing them of attempting to save face after what he described as a “colossal disgrace.” “This program is a lie from the start. Liberians deserve honesty and transparency, not schemes that will leave them in financial ruin,” Nyanplu concluded.
