The Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Clarence K. Massaquoi, has announced an initial contribution of US$15,000 toward the 2026 Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) National Quizzing Meet Competition, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion.
Speaking as official launcher of the national competition, Massaquoi said academic excellence is increasingly tied to access to technology and information in the digital age.
“This invitation carries meaning,” he said. “By inviting the Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, LINSU is saying something important. Academic excellence in our time is connected to digital access, to information, and to the ability of students to learn beyond the walls of a classroom.”
He commended LINSU for organizing what he described as a national intellectual exercise aimed at promoting discipline, teamwork, and academic growth among Liberian students.
Massaquoi also praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for his administration’s commitment to youth development and digital inclusion, noting that expanded access to information remains essential for preparing young people to compete globally.
He stressed that academic competitions go beyond answering questions, describing them as training grounds for life skills.
“In life, as in quizzing, you will meet moments when you do not know the answer,” Massaquoi told students. “You will lose some contests. But what you must not lose is your dignity, your composure, and your willingness to learn.”
Highlighting the digital divide in Liberia’s education sector, the LTA boss said students in rural communities continue to face major disadvantages due to limited access to electricity, internet connectivity, and learning tools.
He disclosed that the LTA’s School Connect Initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Starlink, is working to connect 156 public senior high schools across the country to internet services.
“This is not just a technology project. It is an education project. It is a youth development project. It is a national development project,” he declared.
Massaquoi further noted that the LTA’s Universal Access Program is targeting underserved and low-population communities to ensure equal educational opportunities for all Liberian students, regardless of location.
He then formally announced the financial support, drawing applause from students and guests.
“As part of its commitment to youth and education, the LTA is making an initial contribution of US$15,000 toward the National Students Quizzing Competition 2026,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), Mohammed Ali, popularly known as “Academy Heavyweight,” also pledged support for the competition, announcing scholarship opportunities and educational assistance for outstanding students.
“This competition is precious to me as an individual,” Ali said. “At the end of this competition, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation will provide a one-year or two-semester scholarship to the best Mathematics and English students of the competition.”
He added that students in grades 11 and 12 would benefit from school supplies including uniforms, bags, shoes, and copybooks, while graduating 12th-grade students would receive sponsorship for two semesters of university education.
Representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Acting Deputy Minister for Youth Development Alphonso Y. Belleh praised LINSU for advancing academic excellence and youth empowerment initiatives, noting that young people make up more than 70 percent of Liberia’s population.
“These are the future leaders and builders of our nation,” Belleh said. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue to support LINSU and initiatives that promote academic excellence among young Liberians.”
The launch ceremony brought together students, educators, youth leaders, and government officials, all pledging support for strengthening academic competitiveness across the country.
Closing his remarks, Massaquoi urged students to remain disciplined and committed to learning, stressing that human capital is Liberia’s greatest asset.
“Liberia’s greatest resource is not its iron ore, rubber, or forests,” he said. “Liberia’s greatest resource is the mind of its young people.”
He officially declared the LINSU National Quizzing Meet Competition 2026 open, followed by an exhibition match between the Association of Liberian Quizzers and the “Academy Heavyweight” MD Ali team Veteran Quizzers, featuring experienced past quizzers from decades ago.
