MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Liberian scholarship students in Morocco are enduring severe financial hardships, prompting the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) to demand swift action from the Government of Liberia. The students, who arrived in Morocco in November 2024, have faced a cascade of challenges, primarily due to delays in the disbursement of their financial allowances.
According to LINSU, upon arrival in Morocco, the students were given only $150 USD each, an amount insufficient to cover even the most basic living expenses. Here’s the revised sentence without dashes: While the students were promised dormitory accommodations, none were available upon their arrival, forcing many to find private housing at their own expense. The costs range from $60 to $90 USD per month, an additional burden for students already struggling with limited funds.
In addition to housing costs, the students are also grappling with unpaid registration fees up to $100 USD, as well as residence permit charges ranging between $80 and $100 USD. This has left the students in a dire financial situation, with little hope of meeting their basic needs.
LINSU condemned the government for not fulfilling its promises to the students and described the situation as “unacceptable.” The union has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the government to disburse the students’ allowances and reimburse them for the unexpected expenses incurred. LINSU is also calling for the establishment of a transparent and efficient financial support system to ensure that such issues do not arise in the future.
The situation was first brought to light in a resolution submitted by the students on February 27, 2025. In the resolution, they highlighted the financial difficulties they face, as well as the added challenge of language barriers, as most of their courses are taught in Arabic and advanced French. These challenges have significantly impacted their academic progress, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
LINSU has sent formal communications to the Ministries of Education, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, urging them to take immediate action. The union has made it clear that if the government fails to meet their demands within the specified 72-hour period, they will resort to stronger measures, including spontaneous protests and resistance.
The students, who were sent abroad with the expectation of contributing to Liberia’s development upon their return, now feel abandoned by the very government that promised to support them. They are calling on the government to prioritize their well-being and provide the necessary resources to ensure their success. Without urgent intervention, their academic future, as well as their livelihood, remains uncertain.
