MONROVIA – Matthew Nyanplu, a Liberian political commentator and 2029 Presidential Hopeful, has revived calls for the dismissal of Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow-Nyanti over the controversial $25 million NEKOTECH scholarship deal, which he describes as fraudulent. On Monday, September 9, 2025, Nyanplu, who previously served as Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for not taking action against Beysolow-Nyanti.
“That Oldman Joseph Boakai has not yet fired Sara Beysolow-Nyanti for her gross incompetence since she lied about the NEKOTECH $25 million fake USA scholarship scheme just shows that the Oldman himself is not a serious leader,” Nyanplu wrote.
The NEKOTECH deal, originally condemned by Nyanplu on November 16, 2024, promised Liberian students work-study opportunities in the United States. Nyanplu labeled the program a “scam” and warned Liberians not to invest even a single cent in it. According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Beysolow-Nyanti’s leadership, played a central role in facilitating what he describes as 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. He 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’s promotion of high entry-level salaries, noting that typical earnings for F1 visa holders range from $45,000 to $55,000 annually, far below NEKOTECH’s advertised $80,000 to $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 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.
Despite warnings from his former boss, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Nyanplu stood by his 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’s role in approving the controversial NEKOTECH deal.
Since the issue first emerged, President Joseph Boakai has taken no public administrative action against Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, even as calls for her dismissal intensify amid mounting public outcry.
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