By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Matthew Nyanplu, Assistant Minister for Information Services,
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Matthew Nyanplu, the Assistant Minister for Information Services, following a fiery public condemnation of the controversial NEKOTECH program. Nyanplu’s suspension, effective immediately, has sparked intense debate and raised questions about government transparency and accountability.
The suspension comes after Nyanplu accused NEKOTECH, a program that claims to help Liberian students secure admissions and scholarships to study in the United States, of deceiving vulnerable individuals with false promises. In a blistering online post, Nyanplu told Liberians: “Do not pay 1 cent to NEKOTECH.” He claimed the program was a scam, preying on the dreams of students with inflated promises of academic success and post-graduation employment.
Nyanplu’s charges were grave: he called out NEKOTECH for misleading students about language tests, work-study opportunities, and the visa application process. According to Nyanplu, the company’s claims about guaranteed job placements and long-term work visas in the U.S. were deceptive at best and outright fraudulent at worst. “What they are calling work-study is a blatant lie,” he wrote, urging Liberians to “run, don’t walk” away from NEKOTECH.
The Assistant Minister’s bold stance did not sit well with the presidency. In a statement, the president’s office said Nyanplu’s actions were in violation of government protocols and that his public outburst had “undermined the integrity” of the administration. The statement further added that Nyanplu would serve the suspension “without pay” while an investigation is conducted.
The suspension has divided public opinion. Some Liberians have applauded Nyanplu for exposing what they see as a predatory scheme targeting young people desperate for education and opportunity. Others, however, argue that his approach—going public without consulting the government—was reckless and damaging to the country’s image.
NEKOTECH, which has long faced scrutiny over its business practices, quickly denied the allegations, calling Nyanplu’s accusations “unfounded” and “malicious.” The company insists it provides valuable services, including helping students navigate complex U.S. admissions processes.
Despite NEKOTECH’s defense, the backlash against the program continues to grow. Nyanplu’s remarks have fueled a public outcry, with many questioning why the government has not yet acted to regulate or even investigate the program. “We need the government to protect our people from this exploitation,” said one critic.
As the controversy unfolds, Liberia is left grappling with a larger question: will the government stand up to powerful interests like NEKOTECH, or will this scandal be swept under the rug?
