Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are inviting three key ministries to provide clarifications on reports of students seeking foreign scholarships often falling to frauds.
The issue of seeking higher education outside the country remains high on the agenda of many Liberians.
Though the process is associated with challenges that successful applicants are mostly face with.
The huddles in acquiring the international scholarships, has therefore, claimed the attention of many Liberians, including Maryland County District #2 Lawmaker, Anthony F. Williams.
Rep. Williams on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the 9th day sitting of the august body, communicated with the plenary of the House of Representatives (HoR) to invite three key ministries responsible to appear before plenary on International Student Scheme.
The invited ministries are Education, Foreign Affairs and Labor to provide insights on how international scholarships are obtained.
Williams added: “My request to plenary is for the concerned ministries to provide detailing briefings on measures currently in placed to protect Liberian students seeking international scholarships.”
He said the invitation became necessary due to the increasing in reports and complaints from Liberian students. Some of them are pursuing scholarships and study opportunities abroad.
At times, Williams said, the students would fall victims to fraudulent schemes such as human trafficking, exploitations, and other forms of abuse.
“Many of these students are lured into scams containing fake academic programs. This alarming trend demands an immediate attention and concrete government intervention,” he added.
Rep. Williams told his colleagues that the appearance of the invited ministers is critical to provide a comprehensive outline of the systems or policies in place to verify and monitor international scholarship offers. To also share strategies to educate and protect Liberian students from scholarship scams, clarify inter-ministerial roles in curbing the trafficking and exploitation of students under the guise of educational opportunities.
To further present future plans to establish safe channels for Liberian students to pursue education abroad.
He meanwhile, appealed to his colleagues to treat the matter with urgency as to safeguard the future leaders to better the country.