A team of top six performing Liberian students is expected to depart in the last week of June for a one-week academic engagement in Côte d’Ivoire.
The trip, according to J. MacMillan Vaye, Co-Founder of Liberia Olympic Foundation, is scheduled around a plenary session running from June 27 to July 4, 2026 and will bring together young talents in science and mathematics from across Africa.
He added that the initiative is financed by the African Olympic Academy in collaboration with the Liberia Olympic Foundation.
He told journalists that ahead of the trip, selected students will undergo intensive online and residential training over the next two months, including a planned exchange with a team from Sierra Leone to sharpen their competitive skills.
According to him, the program is part of a broader effort to identify, train, and nurture high-performing Liberian students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while promoting innovation and critical thinking. “This program is about recruiting, training, and retaining students for Liberia’s transformation. We have bright students, but we lack the right structure to fully harness their potential,” he narrated.
Vaye added that the selection process began with between 500 and 600 students across Montserrado County in a pilot phase, stating that through multiple rounds of testing and recommendations from institutions, the pool was narrowed down to 30 students, with six ultimately selected for the Côte d’Ivoire trip. However, he noted that some students who initially underperformed later excelled after being reconsidered through recommendation pathways, highlighting hidden talent within the system.
“The competition model emphasizes problem-solving without calculators, requiring students to not only arrive at answers but also explain and justify their reasoning, an approach aimed at building analytical and innovative thinking,” Vaye said.
The Liberia Olympic Foundation Co-Founder explained that it is also working in alignment with national development priorities, particularly in strengthening human capital through STEM education, as outlined in government policy frameworks.
He called on the Government of Liberia to support the initiative by facilitating logistics such as transportation and passports, while other program costs remain covered by partner institutions.
Beyond the immediate trip, Vaye said the foundation plans to continue mentoring participating students through future camps and academic opportunities, including potential pathways to international institutions specializing in artificial intelligence, engineering, and computer science. According to him, “This is just the beginning. We are building a pipeline of young innovators who will shape Liberia’s future.”
Delivering an impassioned address, Nathaniel K. Cisio, Jr., Assistant Minister for STEM and TVET at the Ministry of Education (MOE), emphasized the critical role of teachers and mentorship in shaping future leaders and encouraged students to remain confident and focused.
“You can be anything you want to be. Go out there, stay confident, and make your country proud,” MOE Assistant Minister narrated. Also, Cisio expressed optimism that the students would not only compete but excel on the global stage, describing them as “Liberia’s stars” and a testament to the country’s growing investment in education and youth development.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the national team, comprising Mark Tambah, Mavies Cole, Khalifa L. Dolley, Melvin Gizzie, Massanjay Kamara, and Mariam Kromah, who emerged as top performers following a rigorous selection process.
The team will now undergo intensive preparation ahead of the international contest, with assurances of continued government backing, including logistical support and potential scholarship opportunities. In a symbolic gesture, the Liberian flag was presented to team captain Mark Tambah, who was tasked with leading the delegation and upholding national unity throughout the competition.
