LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Matthew Nyanplu, Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, following his public condemnation of the government’s $25 million agreement with Nekotech. The suspension, effective immediately, was announced on Saturday, November 16, 2024, and includes withholding his salary pending an investigation.
According to an Executive Mansion statement, Nyanplu’s disciplinary action stems from breaching intra-agency communication protocols and conduct deemed unbecoming of a government official. The government clarified that the suspension was related to procedural violations, not the content of his accusations. President Boakai also issued a stern warning to all officials to adhere to established communication norms and uphold internal policy directives.
The controversy erupted after Nyanplu released a fiery statement on Friday, November 15, 2024, describing the Nekotech work-study scholarship program as a “scam.” He accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, of facilitating what he called a “colossal embarrassment” to the government and people of Liberia. Nyanplu warned Liberians against investing in the program, claiming it targeted vulnerable students and families with false promises.
Nyanplu lambasted Nekotech for misleading Liberians into believing third-party services were necessary to secure admission to U.S. graduate schools. He pointed out that most U.S. universities recognize Liberian credentials, and additional services like those offered by Nekotech are redundant. “You don’t need any third party to take money from you for something you can do yourself,” Nyanplu asserted, adding that many U.S. schools don’t require standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS for Liberian applicants.
The Assistant Minister also denounced Nekotech’s claims about work-study opportunities as deceptive. He argued that legitimate U.S. work-study programs are federally funded and designed to assist students with demonstrated financial need. Nekotech’s use of the term “work-study,” he said, was a deliberate attempt to mislead students into believing they would receive guaranteed employment.
Nyanplu further accused Nekotech of misrepresenting job opportunities for F1 visa holders, particularly regarding the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. He explained that the extension of OPT for STEM graduates is conditional and not guaranteed Nekotech’s promise of three years of guaranteed work, he said, was misleading and designed to exploit students’ hopes.
On the issue of salaries, Nyanplu described Nekotech’s projections as grossly inflated. He stated that most entry-level salaries for F1 visa holders with OPT range from $45,000 to $55,000 annually, far below the $80,000 to $200,000 advertised by the organization. “These figures are crafted to excite desperate students and exploit them financially,” he added.
The Assistant Minister also accused Nekotech of fabricating ties with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and misleading applicants about visa guarantees. He emphasized that visa applications are handled directly by the U.S. government, with no third-party involvement. “The U.S. government does not allow intermediaries to intervene in visa processes,” he said.
Nyanplu condemned Nekotech’s demand for students to pay airfare before securing admission or visas, describing the practice as extortionate. He argued that no airline would permit travel to the U.S. without a valid visa and called for the immediate expulsion of Nekotech from Liberia.
He also challenged NEKOTECH to provide evidence of successful applicants earning high salaries and repaying loans as claimed. “We need to see and hear from these so-called success stories,” Nyanplu said, accusing the organization of perpetuating false narratives to attract more applicants.
While his criticisms were sharp, Nyanplu also offered a solution to Liberians aspiring to study in the U.S. He invited students to seek guidance from experienced professionals like himself, promising free advice on navigating the application process. “I’ve been down that road before, and I can guide you free of charge,” he said.
The Nekotech controversy has sparked widespread public debate, with many supporting Nyanplu’s stance while questioning the government’s decision to suspend him. Critics argue that the suspension undermines efforts to hold institutions accountable and sends a chilling message to whistleblowers within the administration.
As Nyanplu faces investigation, the government is under pressure to address the allegations surrounding Nekotech and provide clarity on its controversial scholarship program. The outcome of this saga could have lasting implications for Liberia’s education sector and the credibility of the Boakai administration.
