By 
In a scathing open letter, Assistant Information Minister Matthew Nyanplu has issued a strong warning to Liberians about the NEKOTECH program, which he describes as a “scam” aimed at exploiting hopeful students seeking to study in the United States. Nyanplu’s remarks come amidst growing concerns over the credibility of NEKOTECH’s claims, which promise to secure U.S. graduate school admissions and financial aid for students, in exchange for substantial fees.
According to Nyanplu, NEKOTECH is misleading students by charging them fees for services that can be obtained directly through U.S. universities or other legitimate educational channels. “Liberians should not invest a single cent in NEKOTECH’s fraudulent program,” Nyanplu warns. He emphasizes that there is no need for a third-party intermediary to apply to U.S. institutions, which recognize Liberian credentials and do not require additional language tests, like the Duolingo exam, that NEKOTECH insists on.
Nyanplu further refutes NEKOTECH’s claims about work-study programs, calling them “blatant lies.” Work-study, he explains, is a federally funded program in the U.S. for students with financial need and does not require students to pay upfront fees. Additionally, NEKOTECH’s promises regarding the Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa—offering three years of guaranteed work in the U.S. for international students—are described as misleading. Nyanplu points out that the OPT program allows only one year of work for non-STEM graduates, with an additional two years for those studying in STEM fields, and securing employment within this period is not guaranteed.
The Assistant Minister also takes aim at NEKOTECH’s claims about high-paying jobs post-graduation, calling the figures quoted by the program—ranging from $80,000 to $200,000—misleading. He notes that new graduates, especially those on OPT visas, face significant challenges in finding stable employment in the U.S., with salaries typically ranging between $45,000 and $55,000.
Of particular concern to Nyanplu is NEKOTECH’s assertion that they have direct contact with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia to facilitate visa applications. He strongly refutes this claim, noting that U.S. visa applications must go through official channels and cannot be processed through third parties. Nyanplu also criticizes NEKOTECH for demanding payment for airfares before students have even received U.S. visas, which he describes as part of the program’s extortionate tactics.
In conclusion, Nyanplu urges the Liberian government to take immediate action against NEKOTECH, calling for the company’s expulsion from the country and holding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accountable for its alleged role in promoting the scam. “This is a national disgrace,” he declares, urging the President and government officials to act swiftly to protect Liberian students from falling victim to what he calls an “exploitative and deceptive” scheme.
The Assistant Minister offers an alternative for those seeking to pursue studies in the U.S., encouraging students to seek guidance and support from trusted individuals, free of charge, rather than engaging with predatory programs like NEKOTECH.
“Please, do not pay a single cent to NEKOTECH,” Nyanplu concludes, emphasizing his commitment to helping students navigate the complex process of studying abroad without falling victim to scams.
Calls for Government Action
The controversy surrounding NEKOTECH has sparked widespread public debate in Liberia, with many citizens questioning the government’s role in supporting such programs. As calls for immediate action intensify, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive steps to address the issue and protect the interests of the nation’s students.
