Eyes Wider Reach
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia is expanding the Presidential Scholarship Program to broaden access to education and create more opportunities for young Liberians across the country. The expansion was highlighted on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Scholarly Arena, held under the theme “Empowering Young Intellect, Driving National Development,” where officials described the scholarship initiative as a strategic investment in Liberia’s human capital and future leadership.
Speaking at the presidential scholarship recipients’ inter-university debates 2026, Bill McGill Jones, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State and Chair of the Scholarship Committee said the launched by President Joseph N. Boakai in December 2024, has so far supported more than 490 beneficiaries across 42 universities and colleges in Liberia.
He said the program aims to improve the knowledge, abilities, self-assurance, and leadership potential of young Liberians who are anticipated to contribute to the country’s growth in addition to providing financial support. The Deputy Minister said that over 100 scholarship recipients are anticipated to graduate this year, citing the achievement as proof of the program’s expanding influence on students who might otherwise encounter financial obstacles to pursuing higher education.
He clarified that under the expansion plan, the scholarship program is anticipated to reach 10 counties with an additional 100 scholarships, expanding its reach to encompass students pursuing technical and vocational education as well as public high school students starting in the tenth grade. Also, McGill said the move is intended to create multiple educational pathways and ensure that financial difficulties do not prevent qualified students from advancing through different levels of education.
According to the scholarship committee chair, the extension is a reflection of the government’s larger commitment to human capital investment and youth development under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which centers Liberia’s efforts to transform the country around its youth. “Beyond just education, it’s about giving opportunity to young people so that they can become the decision makers of this country,” he emphasized.
The initiative, according to him, is being implemented with support from government institutions, educational institutions and private-sector partners, including Orange Liberia, NASCO, the Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Petroleum Refining Institution, Liberia Telecommunications Authority and the National Port Authority. He also praised the steering committee, secretariat, organizers, judges, scholarship recipients, and participating universities and colleges for their contributions to the event.
Speaking to the scholars, Deputy Minister McGill advised them to use the Scholarly Arena as a chance to develop their skills, share ideas, gain confidence, and exhibit the leadership traits that Liberia’s next generation is expected to possess. The latest expansion signals a shift toward a more comprehensive scholarship model aimed at reaching students at different stages of the education system while creating broader opportunities for young Liberians to acquire the skills needed to participate meaningfully in national development.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
