By Laurina B Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has urged young men and women across Liberia to take advantage of the Nekotech’s $1 billion non-collateral student loan program for African students.
This initiative aims to empower over 250 Liberian students to access high-quality education particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the world-renowned institutions in the United States and Canada
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, November 6, President Boakai highlighted his commitment to giving back to Liberia and encouraged the youth to study hard, engage deeply, and dedicate themselves fully to contribute to the nation’s development.
He added that, this Scholarship Program aligns seamlessly with his Government’s ARREST Agenda (soon to be the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development), which prioritizes human capacity building and focuses on education.
He mentioned that, they recognize that Liberia’s future success rests on the strength of his government workforce.
They are thus dedicated to providing their youth with opportunities that build skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities.
“Be reminded that, of the over five million people in the country, you are just the fortunate few to benefit from this opportunity, so your success is our collective success. Adding that, Liberia is on a promising path towards development, and STEM education stands as a critical pillar in achieving this vision,” he narrated.
President Boakai however expressed his government’s deepest gratitude to Nekotech for this initiative. Stating that, by investing in the future of young people, you are investing in the future of our nation.
“You have extended an open hand to Liberia’s most promising minds, enabling them to realize their dreams and equipping them to help realize our dreams for Liberia. Many of those who will become beneficiaries would not have benefited due to financial limitations, particularly when collateral is required for loans,” he lamented.
He concluded by extending his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the partners who have made this opportunity possible stating that their generosity and vision have given Liberian youth and the entire country a brighter future.
In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities for Liberian students, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced a partnership with the NEKOTECH Center of Excellence, to launch a groundbreaking study program aimed at providing scholarships and work-study opportunities in key areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The NEKOTECH Master’s Degree Work-Study Program is designed to facilitate international exchange opportunities for qualified Liberian students, with emphasis on graduate-level education. The program will offer scholarships to students pursuing advanced degrees in fields critical to the global economy, including STEM disciplines and AI.
Students will benefit from work-study placements that will allow them to gain hands-on experience while studying abroad in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other key international locations.
The primary objective of this partnership is to equip Liberian students with excellent educational training and to support the development of a skilled workforce that can contribute to the nation’s progress. By focusing on disciplines like STEM and AI, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between Liberia’s educational landscape and the rapidly evolving global job market.
“We are excited to partner with NEKOTECH to offer these life-changing opportunities to our young people,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “This initiative is aligned with our national goals of expanding access to quality education and building the capacity of Liberia’s young population to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will oversee the implementation of the program through a Steering Committee, chaired by the Ministry itself.
Other key stakeholders in the partnership include the Ministry of Education, which will serve as co-chair, as well as the Ministries of State, and Finance and Development Planning, which will serve as members of the committee.
The NEKOTECH Center of Excellence, the institution behind the program, is a highly regarded human capital development center. With a focus on STEM + AI, MBA programs, and soft skills training, NEKOTECH has gained recognition for its commitment to developing leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global workforce. In addition to its educational programs, NEKOTECH places a strong emphasis on spiritual development, equipping students with a holistic set of skills for success.
The collaboration between the Liberian Government and NEKOTECH is seen as a crucial step towards advancing the nation’s educational and technological capabilities.
By fostering international partnerships and providing students with opportunities to study and work abroad, the initiative will help build a stronger, more competitive workforce in Liberia.
