Matthew Nyanplu, a Liberian political commentator and 2029 presidential hopeful, has revived calls for the dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, over the controversial US$25 million NEKOTECH scholarship deal.
Nyanplu described as “fraudulent.”
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Nyanplu, criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for not taking action against Madam Nyanti.
Nyanplu previously served as Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information.
“Mr. Boakai has not yet fired Sara Beysolow-Nyanti for her gross incompetence since she lied about the NEKOTECH US$25 million fake USA scholarship scheme just shows that the President himself is not a serious leader,” Nyanplu wrote.
The NEKOTECH deal, which Mr. Nyanplu originally condemned on November 16, 2024, promised Liberian students’ work-study opportunities in the US. Nyanplu labeled the program a “scam,” and warned Liberians not to invest even a single cent in the ‘fake program.’
According Nyanplu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Beysolow-Nyanti’s leadership, played a central role in facilitating a “massive deception targeting vulnerable students and their families.”
Nyanplu’s statement, titled: “Liberians should not invest 1-Kobo in NEKOTECH scam program,” outlines multiple concerns about the arrangement.
He criticized NEKOTECH for falsely claiming that Liberian applicants need third-party services to apply to U.S. graduate programs, despite most American universities already recognizing Liberian credentials.
Nyanplu also pointed out that the so-called “work-study opportunities are misleading,” as legitimate U.S. work-study programs are federally funded, and primarily designed to assist students with financial need.
The political commentator further disputed NEKOTECH’s claims of guaranteed employment under the F1 visa program, clarifying that only STEM graduates may be eligible for a conditional two-year extension beyond the standard one-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, and only if they secure a job in their field of study.
He also challenged the organization promotion of high entry-level salaries, noting that typical earnings for F1 visa holders range from US$45,000 to US$55,000 annually, far below NEKOTECH’s advertised US$80,000 to US$200,000.
Adding to the controversy, Nyanplu dismissed NEKOTECH’s claims of direct ties with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, explaining that visa applications are processed directly between applicants and the U.S. Government.
He criticized the organization for requiring students to pay for airfare before securing admission or visas, labeling the practice “extortionate and predatory.”
Nyanplu has meanwhile, called on the government to expel NEKOTECH from
Liberia and prevent similar fraudulent schemes.
He also offered guidance to Liberians seeking U.S. education, inviting them to consult with him and other professionals for free assistance.
Nyanplu: “I stand by my position, stressing that he acted with a clear conscience to protect the public.”
His remarks have since gained traction on social media, fueling growing demands for accountability, and closer scrutiny of the Foreign Ministry role in approving the controversial NEKOTECH deal.
Since the issue first emerged, Pres. Boakai has taken no public administrative action against Madam Nyanti, even as calls for her dismissal intensify amid mounting public outcry.
Source: Socrates Smythe Saywon/smartnewsliberia.com