The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has awarded scholarships to 20 ‘high-achieving’ students under the NOCAL-TGS Education Support Initiative.
The initiative is part of NOCAL’s broader vision to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development through strategic investment in youth education.
The exercise marks a the entity’s milestone efforts to empower the next generation of Liberian professionals.
The scholarship award ceremony, held at NOCAL’s headquarters in Monrovia, was attended by top executives of the company, government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders, students, and their parents. The event celebrated not only academic excellence, but also the potential of the country’s youth to drive national development when provided with the right resources and mentorship.
In an inspiring keynote address, NOCAL’s Acting President and Chief Executive Officer, Fabian M. Kai, emphasized the company’s strategic decision to raise the academic standard for students benefiting from the scholarships.
While the initial eligibility criterion required a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, Mr. Kai informed the gathering that maintaining the scholarship demands a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
“Academic excellence is not just about gaining entry into a scholarship program,” Kai said.
“It is about sustaining performance, demonstrating commitment to personal growth, and representing the values of integrity, excellence, and perseverance that NOCAL stands for.
We believe that our scholars will set the pace and serve as role models for their peers.”
Mr. Kai noted that while the current recipients qualified with at least a 3.0 GPA, continued funding under the scheme will depend on students’ ability to meet the elevated GPA threshold.
He cautioned students to improve their academic performance beyond the basic requirement or else, they risk being replaced by others, who demonstrate greater academic diligence.
Kai: “The scholarship program is more than a charitable donation. It is a calculated investment in the future.” He highlighted that the long-term development of any country hinges on the quality of its human capital, particularly in energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and education sectors.
The NOCAL-TGS Education Support Initiative is being implemented in partnership with TGS, a global energy data and intelligence company. The program targets underprivileged, but academically outstanding students enrolled at accredited universities and technical institutions in the country. Selected students receive full tuition support, a modest living stipend, access to academic materials, and internship opportunities with NOCAL and partner institutions.
The 20 scholarship recipients were selected from over 200 applicants nationwide.
The competitive selection process involved a rigorous academic screening, verification of transcripts, personal interviews, and character assessments.