Monrovia, Liberia – July 2, 2025 – The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) today reinforced its dedication to national progress and youth empowerment by hosting the 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards and Signing Ceremony at its Monrovia headquarters.
Twenty high-achieving Liberian university students were awarded full scholarships under NOCAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Educational Program, an initiative designed to cultivate academic excellence and leadership potential. The program underscores NOCAL’s long-term vision to nurture Liberia’s next generation of innovators and leaders. Attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, LIPA, government officials, awardees’ families, and civil society stakeholders, the ceremony formalized a shared commitment between the scholars and NOCAL to drive transformative change.
In a keynote address, NOCAL President & CEO Hon. Fabian M. Lai hailed the initiative as a “strategic investment in Liberia’s greatest resource—its people.”
“Today, we are not just signing scholarship agreements; we are signing the blueprint for Liberia’s future,” declared Hon. Lai. “While our nation is endowed with petroleum resources, our true wealth lies in the talent and determination of our youth.”
The CEO highlighted the program’s alignment with the government’s ARREST Agenda, particularly its education pillar, and its role in advancing Local Content Development to ensure Liberians lead the country’s burgeoning energy sector. This year’s selection process was the most competitive to date, with 191 applicants from all 15 counties rigorously evaluated through a three-stage review (document screening, aptitude testing, and panel interviews). Notably, 33% of scholarships were awarded to female students, many pursuing STEM fields—a testament to NOCAL’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive growth.
Hon. Lai charged the awardees to embrace their scholarships as both an opportunity and a responsibility:
“You are now ambassadors of NOCAL’s vision, the future leaders who will shape Liberia’s prosperity.”
NOCAL also unveiled plans to expand the program, including an alumni mentorship network and industry-linked internships, further bridging education and employment. Concluding with a call to action, Hon. Lai urged public and private sectors to prioritize educational investment:
“The returns on educating our youth will outlast any oil discovery.”
The ceremony marks another milestone in NOCAL’s CSR mission to foster sustainable development through education.
Together, we are building a brighter Liberia!
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