By: Julius Konton
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Wednesday held a wide-ranging interactive meeting with Liberian students and members of the Liberian community residing in Morocco.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the MEDays Forum an annual global governance gathering that this year convened more than 5,000 delegates from over 90 countries, including heads of state, policymakers, and development experts.
The meeting brought together Liberian scholars enrolled across several Moroccan universities and technical institutes, along with professionals and community leaders living in major Moroccan cities.
Liberia currently has an estimated 180–220 students pursuing studies in Morocco under various bilateral agreements, according to Ministry of Education figures.
The President used the forum to receive updates on the academic progress, living conditions, and professional aspirations of Liberian students abroad.
He praised their resilience and dedication, stressing that education remains one of Liberia’s strongest tools for national transformation.
“Your studies are not just for personal advancement, they represent an investment in Liberia’s future,” President Boakai said, emphasizing his administration’s long-term vision to build a generation of technically skilled, globally competitive young professionals.
During the dialogue, student representatives commended the Boakai’s administration for reactivating their long-delayed study allowances.
Several noted that the payments had been inconsistent for more than three consecutive academic years, due largely to the previous administration’s civil-service harmonization policy, which significantly reduced monthly student stipends and created widespread financial hardship.
As part of the meeting, the Students appealed for a review and possible increase in the current allowance structure, citing rising living costs in Morocco’s major student hubs such as Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca where average student expenses have risen by an estimated 18–25% over the last four years.
In response , President Boakai assured the students that their concerns were valid and said his government remains committed to improving the welfare and academic stability of Liberian students overseas.
He emphasized that ensuring predictable financial support for scholars abroad is critical to strengthening Liberia’s human-capital base, which currently ranks 176th out of 193 globally in skills and education indicators, according to recent UNDP assessments.
Members of the broader Liberian community in Morocco estimated at approximately 500 residents also expressed appreciation for the President’s willingness to engage them directly.
They highlighted challenges related to documentation, job access, and cultural adaptation while reaffirming their desire to contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development agenda.
President Boakai encouraged them to maintain strong ties with their homeland and assured them that the government will work to strengthen diaspora engagement, improve consular services, and create new channels for professional contribution.
Meanwhile , the meeting ended with a renewed sense of optimism among Liberian scholars and community members, who described the engagement as “timely,” “reassuring,” and “a strong symbol of government presence.”
