Monrovia – Assistant Information Minister Matthew Nyanplu has criticized the NEKOTECH program, calling it a scam designed to exploit Liberians seeking education opportunities in the United States.
In a Facebook post, Nyanplu urged citizens not to spend even a cent on the program, which he claims offers false promises of admission to U.S. schools, financial aid, and job opportunities.
According to Nyanplu, NEKOTECH does not have any direct connections to U.S. graduate schools and cannot guarantee admission or financial support.
He emphasized that Liberians can apply directly to these schools without paying fees to third-party agencies like NEKOTECH. “You absolutely do not need any third party to take money from you for something you can do for yourself,” he said.
Nyanplu also rejected NEKOTECH’s requirement for students to pay for the Duolingo language test, pointing out that most U.S. universities recognize Liberia as an English-speaking country.
“At Harvard, Stanford, or Yale, no one is going to ask you for an English test to admit you to a graduate program,” he noted, adding that language tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS are typically not needed for admission.
He further accused NEKOTECH of misleading students with false promises of a “work-study” program and a guaranteed three-year work opportunity under the F1 visa.
“What they are calling work-study is a blatant lie!” Nyanplu asserted. He explained that the official U.S. work-study program is a federally funded aid initiative, not something private entities can offer. He clarified that the F1 visa’s work authorization (OPT) lasts only one year, with an optional two-year extension for STEM graduates, contrary to NEKOTECH’s claims.
The Assistant Minister called on the government to take action against NEKOTECH and questioned the Foreign Ministry’s role in promoting the program.
“The Government must immediately expel NEKOTECH from Liberia,” Nyanplu demanded, adding that “the President must immediately act against the Foreign Minister for this broad day deception and disgrace to our country.”
He encouraged Liberians who want to study in the U.S. to seek advice from experienced individuals for free rather than risk falling for deceptive schemes.
“If you are interested in pursuing advanced studies in the U.S., come let’s have a conversation. I and many others can guide you free of charge,” Nyanplu offered.
Strongly in his statement, Nyanplue warned against spending any money on NEKOTECH, describing it as a program filled with false promises that could financially harm unsuspecting students.
“Please, do not pay one cent to NEKOTECH. It is a disservice to our country for this to be happening,” Nyanplu stated!
Amid Assistant Minister Nyanplu’s criticism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a Town Hall meeting with the NEKOTECH Group to help Liberians better understand the Scholarship program.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti is said to be the driving force behind the deal worth over 20 million USD.
