…Under Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, Liberia – In a significant stride toward youth empowerment and educational development, the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), in partnership with TGS, has awarded fully funded academic scholarships to 20 exceptional Liberian students. This initiative falls under NOCAL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The official scholarship award ceremony, held at NOCAL’s headquarters on Randall Street in Monrovia, was attended by senior government officials, representatives from partner institutions, student beneficiaries, and members of the public. Dubbed the “NOCAL-TGS Scholarship Scheme,” this educational support program underscores the company’s broader commitment to national development beyond the petroleum sector.
NOCAL officials stated that this year’s scholarships are for undergraduates pursuing diverse fields of study at various accredited universities across Liberia. Beneficiaries were chosen through a rigorous and transparent vetting process, based on their academic performance, financial need, community involvement, and leadership potential.
During the award ceremony, Mr. Saifuah-Mai Gray, President and CEO of NOCAL, expressed profound satisfaction at seeing the company’s CSR activities directly transform lives. “We are not only here to explore oil and gas; we are here to invest in Liberia’s human capital,” she stated. “These 20 students represent the hope of a brighter Liberia. We believe that by investing in their education, we are planting seeds of transformation for the future.”
Gray emphasized that NOCAL’s commitment to education is a fundamental aspect of its social impact goals, aligning with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration’s broader development agenda. “These students could become the next engineers, geologists, doctors, IT experts, educators, and even policymakers. Our job is to support them to reach that potential,” she added.
Gray explained that the TGS-NOCAL partnership is a joint CSR mechanism designed to ensure that revenues and exploration activities from Liberia’s oil blocks yield tangible benefits for the Liberian people, even in the absence of active oil production.
TGS, a multinational geoscience data company and a key partner in Liberia’s offshore data acquisition and exploration, was represented by its Country Manager for West Africa, Mr. Femi Adekunle. He described the scholarship scheme as a practical demonstration of private sector accountability and good corporate citizenship. “At TGS, we believe that the true wealth of any country is its people,” Mr. Adekunle said. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that our presence in Liberia yields direct, immediate benefits to the younger generation. We are proud to partner with NOCAL to ensure Liberian youth are not left behind.” He commended the transparency and integrity of the selection process and pledged TGS’s ongoing support for Liberia’s educational and development goals.
According to the Scholarship Committee, the 20 beneficiaries are pursuing degrees in disciplines including Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Computer Science, Business Management, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, Marine Science, Public Health, and Law. The scholars hail from all 15 counties of Liberia, highlighting the inclusive, nationwide scope of the initiative.
The comprehensive scholarship package covers full tuition, registration fees, a semester stipend for books and transportation, and access to annual mentorship workshops and leadership training. Madam Patricia S. Doe, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, described it as one of the most comprehensive scholarships offered by any public corporation in Liberia today. “We are not only paying school fees; we are mentoring future leaders. We are providing an ecosystem for academic growth, innovation, and ethical citizenship,” she noted. She also revealed plans to expand the scholarship to 50 students next year, with continued support from other international oil companies operating in Liberia’s basin.
The impact of the scholarship was palpable in the heartfelt testimonies of the recipients. Miss Theresa Kamara, a second-year Environmental Science student at the University of Liberia, described the award as “a dream come true.” She tearfully shared, “I come from a single-parent home in Grand Cape Mount County; my mother sells dry goods to support me and my siblings. Sometimes I would go to class hungry or without notebooks. This scholarship means I can now focus on my studies.”
Joseph Kpoto, a freshman studying Petroleum Engineering at Stella Maris Polytechnic University, stated that the scholarship has “restored hope” in his academic journey. “When I graduated from high school, I thought that was the end for me because we had no money. I started doing okada work to save for college. Today, I can put my helmet aside and pick up my books full time,” he said. The beneficiaries received applause as they expressed gratitude to NOCAL and TGS, with many vowing to use the opportunity to serve Liberia and support others in the future
Mr. Samuel T. Gaye, Deputy Minister for Education, who was also present at the ceremony, praised NOCAL and TGS for their foresight and corporate responsibility. “What we are witnessing here is a practical example of what public-private partnerships can do for a country,” he remarked. He encouraged other public corporations, concession companies, and international partners to emulate this model. “Liberia’s education sector needs collective action. No single government agency can do it alone. When companies like NOCAL and TGS take this initiative, it complements government’s efforts and accelerates our national development goals,” Minister Gaye added. The Ministry of Education pledged its technical support and collaboration to ensure the scholarship recipients remain academically sound and socially grounded.
NOCAL’s CSR strategy is deeply rooted in its five-year Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP), aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This scholarship initiative specifically falls under SDG Goal 4: ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
Mr. Trokon Kpanneh, Director for Strategy and Corporate Affairs at NOCAL, told the media that the company is looking beyond extractive profits. “We are determined to turn resource potential into people potential,” he said. “Our approach to CSR is not just charity; it is development-driven and impact-focused.” He also revealed that NOCAL is conducting feasibility studies to roll out a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) innovation program for high school students and vocational learners. “We want to catch them young. We want Liberian youth to be the ones running the oil rigs, building the pipelines, coding the software, and negotiating the contracts in the near future,” Kpanneh emphasized.
To combat politicization and nepotism that have historically marred scholarship programs in Liberia, NOCAL established a four-tier vetting process, involving independent educational experts, civil society monitors, and university officials. Candidates submitted academic transcripts, letters of motivation, and recommendation letters from local leaders or schools, and underwent aptitude testing and background checks. This year’s shortlist of over 200 applicants was narrowed down through a rigorous scoring system, interviews, and documentation verification. The final 20 scholars scored above 85% in their cumulative assessment. “We wanted only the best and most deserving,” said Madam Doe. “And we are proud to say we found them.”
As the applause faded and photographs captured the day’s joy, the weight of expectation now rests on the shoulders of the young scholars. NOCAL and TGS have provided them with a rare opportunity to transform their lives and contribute to their country. The scholars are expected not only to excel academically but also to engage in community service, leadership training, and NOCAL’s annual youth development forums.
“Scholarship is a privilege and a responsibility,” Mr. Gray concluded. “We hope these 20 students will prove that Liberia’s youth, when given the right tools, can match any in the world.”
For the broader Liberian public, the NOCAL-TGS scholarship announcement is more than just a good-news story; it’s a model for how extractive industries can genuinely serve the people they operate among. In a country long grappling with the paradox of poverty amidst natural resource wealth, such interventions offer a glimpse of a different future – one where resources don’t just fill government coffers but also empower classrooms, laboratories, and communities.