Starz University, in partnership with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has made history with the successful hosting of its first-ever Cyber Security Hackathon.
The landmark event held in Monrovia on October 31, 2025 drew enthusiastic participation from students and showcased emerging tech talent across Liberia.
The competition was held at Starz University’s main campus in Airfield, Sinkor, where dozens of young innovators teamed up to solve real-world cybersecurity challenges through coding, rapid problem-solving, and teamwork.
The event provided participants with an opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to practical digital defense scenarios while fostering collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.
After hours of intense challenges, four standout groups emerged as the winners of the Cyber Security Hackathon 2025.
Zero Day Squad won 1st Place Winner
and Fsociety took the 2nd Place Winner, while 707 Error was awarded the 3rd Place and Smartcircle emerged as Best All-Female Team.
Each winning team received certificates, medals, cash prizes, and other awards in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The Smartcircle team’s success as the best all-female group was especially celebrated, highlighting the increasing participation and accomplishments of women in Liberia’s growing technology and cybersecurity landscape.
Starz University President, Dr. Roland U. Usuh, expressed pride in the event’s outcome and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence in education and innovation.
“This Hackathon demonstrates Starz University’s dedication to bridging theory and practice,” Dr. Usuh said.” We’re not just teaching cybersecurity — we’re building the next generation of digital defenders,” he added.
Dr. Usuh said Starz University remains committed to providing quality education and practical experience for all students, offering cutting-edge training with some of the best cybersecurity instructors in the region. He noted that the university continues to lead by example in shaping Liberia’s digital and technological advancement.
Also making remarks was Mr. Victor K. Jarlwood Jr., Captain of the Liberia Cyber Warriors Team and IT/Cyber Security Specialist at the MOPT.
Mr. Jarlwood emphasized the significance of the event in Liberia’s digital transformation journey:
“The Cyber Security Hackathon 2025 is more than just a competition — it’s a national effort to prepare Liberia for the challenges of the digital age. Our youth are the foundation of a secure and innovative future,” Mr. Jarlwood stated.
He said the groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ICT and cybersecurity education, fostering a new generation of experts equipped to tackle evolving digital threats affecting businesses, organizations, and communities nationwide.
Mr. Jarlwood expressed gratitude to the Starz University family, particularly the College of Information Technology staff and the Cybersecurity Department team for their instrumentality in ensuring the success of the Starz Hackathon through their guidance, leadership, and organizational support
He extended special appreciation to Hon. S. Mohammed D. Massalley Deputy Minister for Technical Services at MOPT, and Mr. D. Nalon Kaine, Director of the Project Management Office and National Cybersecurity Coordinator for gracing the occasion and inspiring the participants.
The Hackathon 2025 for Liberia was made possible through the exceptional coordination of the Liberia Cyber Warriors Team, who worked tirelessly to organize and execute the event in collaboration with Starz University and the MOPT.
Hackathon 2025 stands as both an educational milestone and a celebration of Liberian youth ingenuity, setting the stage for future tech-focused initiatives and greater opportunities in cybersecurity across the nation.
