Paynesville, Montserrado County – July 31, 2025- The Ministry of Education has announced the 2025 Liberia National Academic Excellence Award, a key program that celebrates the country’s brightest students and honors outstanding teachers. The launch took place on Thursday at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville, with Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah leading the event.
During the ceremony, Minister Jallah highlighted that the program shows the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving education and nurturing a new generation of capable and ethical leaders. “This initiative reminds us that excellence matters,” she said. “As our young scholars succeed, we must support them—by investing in their future and recognizing their talents.”
A Decade of Celebrating Excellence
Since its start in 2015, the National Academic Excellence Award has recognized over 350 students across Liberia for achievements in debate, essay writing, spelling bees, poetry, and storytelling. It has also honored graduates from top institutions like the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law, the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, and the School of Pharmacy.
This year, 75 top senior secondary students will be recognized. Before the awards ceremony on Sunday, November 2, the honorees will take part in a three-day enrichment program from October 30 to November 1.
Preparing Future Leaders
The pre-award program aims to expand students’ academic and personal growth. It will include sessions on leadership and civic responsibility, digital skills and innovation, career development and scholarship opportunities, as well as physical and mental wellness. The goal is to not only celebrate academic success but also prepare students for future leadership roles in Liberia.
New Sponsorships and Opportunities
Minister Jallah also announced three important sponsorships this year. Two top West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) students will receive full scholarships to study in Nigeria through the Rochas Foundation International Program. Two excellent teachers will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent Liberia at the 2025 Africa Continental Teacher Prize. In a surprise announcement, Abdullah Sonnie, a promising young scholar, won a full scholarship to a local university of his choice.
“These opportunities show our belief that education can change lives,” Minister Jallah said. “They highlight our dedication to rewarding hard work and supporting growth.”
Strong Partnerships
The Liberia National Academic Excellence Award is run by the Ministry of Education and Educate the Next Gen, with guidance from a Board of Advisors made up of experienced educators, researchers, and past award winners. Each student honoree will be officially recognized by the Office of the Minister of Education.
Mr. Isaac Muapoh, Executive Director of Educate the Next Gen, praised the program as a bold move to build a stronger, more united Liberia. “When we celebrate excellence, we uplift Liberia,” he said. “This award boosts our national pride and supports our future.”
A Beacon for Education Reform
The 2025 award comes as the government works hard to improve education by increasing access, raising quality, and restoring trust in Liberia’s schools. Officials say the program is not just about recognition but about creating a culture of excellence that inspires students everywhere.
For many young Liberians, the award means more than a certificate or scholarship—it’s a symbol of hope and opportunity. By honoring hardworking students and dedicated teachers, the Ministry of Education aims to raise standards and inspire ambition in schools across the country.
As the November ceremony approaches, excitement is growing throughout the education community. With ten years of celebrating achievement, the Liberia National Academic Excellence Award continues to show how investing in education can build a brighter future for students and the nation.
