MONROVIA – The Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) has launched the second edition of its flagship academic competition, the Liberia National Quizzing County Meet 2026, bringing together high school students from across the country to compete in an effort to promote academic excellence and intellectual development.
By Francis G. Boayue
The national student organization launched the competition Wednesday evening at the Monrovia City Hall during a dinner and draw ceremony attended by representatives of the national government, partner institutions, academicians, school administrators, education stakeholders and participating students.
The competition is designed to provide a platform for students to demonstrate their academic abilities while promoting intellectual exchange, research, critical thinking and a stronger interest in education among young Liberians.
Serving as keynote speaker, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Amos Tweh reminded participating students of their responsibility to acquire the knowledge, discipline and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities and country.
Tweh’s remarks were delivered by LPRC Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Jacob Smith, who represented the managing director due to his engagement outside the country.
Smith urged students to take education seriously, stressing that sound education remains essential to individual success and national development.
“A degree can open a door and place a title behind your name. But let us be honest: a degree without sound education is a recipe for long-term failure. A certificate may show that you completed a course of study. Your judgment, competence, discipline, and results will show whether you truly learned anything,” Smith said.
He challenged the competing students to consider ignorance one of the greatest obstacles to human development, noting that it can be overcome through teaching, reading, access to truthful information, research, mentorship and the willingness to ask questions.
Smith also reaffirmed LPRC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote academic development among students, while emphasizing the importance of education to Liberia’s national development agenda.
“We cannot properly build and maintain roads, hospitals, energy systems, businesses, or public institutions unless we first develop educated, skilled, ethical, and productive citizens,” he added.
The launch ceremony also featured a fundraising drive to support the implementation of the national competition.
LINSU President James Washington acknowledged the financial challenges confronting the organization in organizing the event, but said the union remains committed to providing students with opportunities for academic exchange and intellectual growth.
Washington said academic competitions such as the National Quizzing County Meet help stimulate students’ desire to study, learn and compete while creating opportunities for young people to interact beyond their respective schools and counties.
“The same way the public turns out to cheer the counties at SKD during the County Meet is the same way we are demanding support for academia through this program in the face of financial challenges,” Washington said.
He praised government institutions and other partners already supporting the initiative and called on additional institutions, businesses and individuals to contribute toward the successful implementation of this year’s competition.
The fundraising effort was supported by executives and representatives of institutions including the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, National Ports Authority, National Oil Company of Liberia, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports, among others.
The ceremony concluded with the official draw for the 2026 National Quizzing County Meet.
Bomi and Gbarpolu were drawn into Group A, alongside River Gee and Lofa counties. Group B features defending champions Montserrado, who will compete against Margibi, Grand Kru and Sinoe counties. And Group C comprises Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba and Maryland Counties.
The final group, Group D, includes Grand Gedeh, River Cess and Grand Cape Mount.
The academic battle officially began Thursday at the auditorium of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), following the draw ceremony.
Nimba and Grand Bassa opened the competition in the tournament’s first match, setting the stage for a series of academic contests among students representing Liberia’s counties.
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