ADNews-MOnrovia: Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has come under heavy criticism after her announcement of a scholarship program that many have described as a “scam.” Public reaction has been swift and harsh, with accusations that Nyanti misled both President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and the Liberian people regarding the so-called Nekotech Sponsored Scholarships. The program, which was purported to help struggling Liberians seeking to further their education abroad, has raised questions about the Minister’s motives and integrity.
By Joseph Tumbey josephtumbey@gmail.com
Nyanti made the announcement during a regular press briefing early this month at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Affairs, and Tourism, where she revealed plans to send 250 Liberian students, aged 25 to 40, to pursue Master’s degrees in the United States. According to the Minister, the program would be a work-study opportunity, and if successful, an additional 250 students would be selected for the September term.
However, multiple credible sources have cast doubt on the authenticity of the scholarship program. Critics have labeled Nyanti’s statement as a blatant falsehood, suggesting that the Minister may be using the promise of education abroad to gain favor with President Boakai, particularly as she eyes a potential presidential run in 2029. These sources argue that the scholarship announcement could be part of a broader attempt to impress Boakai and secure his support for her future political ambitions.
Furthermore, many have accused Minister Nyanti of intentionally misleading the public and lacking the discipline to verify information before making such significant declarations. Her actions, they claim, show a disregard for the well-being of Liberian students, many of whom are desperate for legitimate educational opportunities abroad.
In response to the growing controversy, Matthew Nyanplu, the Assistant Minister for Information at the Ministry of Information, has faced significant backlash as President Boakai announced his immediate suspension for speaking out against the alleged fraudulent scholarship scheme. Nyanplu’s comments, which questioned the legitimacy of the program, have placed him at odds with some within the government and sparked a heated debate about accountability and transparency.
For many Liberians, particularly those who have supported President Boakai’s leadership, Nyanti’s actions are being viewed as a betrayal. These critics argue that Nyanti’s alleged misstep could damage Boakai’s reputation and undermine his efforts to bring about meaningful change in the country. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nyanti holds a prominent position, and her actions are seen as potentially jeopardizing the president’s political future.
This is not the first time Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has faced public scrutiny. Prior to this incident, she had already been the subject of controversy over allegations of academic fraud. Nyanti was accused of faking academic credentials, with critics alleging that she had been parading a fraudulent degree. Despite the claims, Nyanti has failed to convincingly address or refute the allegations surrounding her qualifications.
The combination of the fake degree scandal and the recent scholarship calamity has led to a growing perception that Nyanti may not be fit for public office. Many believe that her behavior reflects poorly on the government, and there are calls for greater scrutiny of her actions moving forward. Some have even suggested that she should step down to restore confidence in the administration.
Meanwhile, ordinary Liberians, many of whom were hopeful that President Boakai would bring about meaningful reform, are increasingly disillusioned. For those who fought for Boakai’s leadership, Nyanti’s actions represent a dangerous misstep that could erode the public’s trust in his administration. The scholarship controversy, in their view, is just the latest in a series of political miscalculations that could undermine the president’s legacy.
As the controversy continues to unfold, questions remain about how the government will respond to these allegations. Will Minister Nyanti be held accountable for her actions, or will this controversy fade away as others have before? For now, the public is left to speculate, while the growing backlash suggests that this issue may have serious political ramifications.
The fallout from this scandal, if proven true, could have long-lasting effects on the political landscape in Liberia.
Comments are closed.