By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Deputy Minister for Administration for the Ministry of States and Presidential Affairs, Bill McGill Jones has announced a major expansion of the Presidential Scholarship Program, with plans to extend educational opportunities to students in public universities, community colleges, technical and vocational institutions, and senior high schools across Liberia.
Speaking at the Executive Mansion press briefing on Friday, August 7, 2026, Deputy Jones disclosed that nearly 100 beneficiaries from Bong, Grand Bassa, Maryland, Lofa, Grand Kru, Margibi and other counties are expected to graduate this year, creating room for a new intake of scholarship recipients.
He emphasized that the scholarship remains merit-based and community-oriented, and to qualify, applicants must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 are eligible for a 100 percent tuition scholarship and students with a 2.5 GPA may also qualify if they can demonstrate genuine financial hardship.
In addition to academic performance, he noted that every beneficiary is required to complete community service in their respective counties.
According to Deputy Jones, recipients must use their skills to serve local communities by working alongside universities, colleges, city authorities, mayors, superintendents, and other local government institutions.
Jones stressed that failure to fulfill this civic responsibility could affect a student’s eligibility, regardless of academic performance.
“We are not only investing in academic excellence, but also in producing young people who are committed to giving back to their communities,” the committee stated.
The Presidential Scholarship Program currently supports students in 22 higher education institutions across several counties.
Participating institutions include the University of Liberia, BlueCrest University College, Stella Maris Polytechnic University, AME University, United Methodist University, Mother Patern College of Health Sciences, African Methodist Episcopal Zion University College, Adventist University of West Africa, Cuttington University, LICOSESS College of Education, Nimba University, Liberia International Christian College, Lofa County University, Free Pentecostal University, Booker Washington Institute, Advantage University College, Tubman University, Grand Kru Technical College and several other accredited institutions.
Deputy Minister for Administration noted that the application process is completely transparent.
Applications will be published on the Executive Mansion’s official website and Facebook page, allowing qualified students nationwide to apply without political influence or favoritism.
He thanked President Joseph Boakai for allocating approximately US$200,000 annually to sustain the scholarship program.
Special appreciation was also extended to Orange Liberia, which has remained a key corporate partner since the scholarship’s inception through its Corporate Social Responsibility program.
Jones revealed that Orange Liberia is currently implementing a three-year support agreement that began in 2024, with discussions already underway to renew the partnership.
Additional support has also been provided by several government institutions and agencies committed to advancing education.
As part of efforts to strengthen student engagement beyond the classroom, the committee announced the launch of the Inter-University Debate Competition, scheduled to run from August 30 to September 14.
Held under the theme: “Empowering Youth Intellect, Driving National Development: A Scholarly Arena Where Academic Excellence is Rewarded and Intellectual Leadership Inspires the Future.”
The competition is expected to bring together nearly 500 students from scholarship-supported institutions across the country.
The debate aims to promote critical thinking, public speaking, civic engagement, and leadership development among young Liberians. Both individual and institutional awards will be presented by President Joseph Boakai during the National Flag Day celebrations on August 24.
