Liberian Students in Cyprus Accuse Senator Saah Joseph of Abandonment

At least seven Liberian students studying in Cyprus have accused Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph of abandoning them after facilitating their travel abroad in 2021, leaving them stranded with unpaid tuition fees and expired immigration documents.  
The accusations come from students who spoke anonymously, citing fears of deportation and harassment. Their accounts describe broken promises, interrupted education, and daily struggles for survival in a foreign country.  

According to the students, Senator Joseph initially presented their opportunity to study in Cyprus as a pathway to academic advancement. However, they claim the arrangement quickly soured when tuition payments were not made consistently.  
One student explained that their education has been sporadic. “Each time the Senator pays our fees for one semester, the next semester he does not pay,” the student said. “Because of this, since 2021 we have only managed to sit in class for three semesters.”  
Since February 2024, none of them has returned to the classroom due to outstanding arrears. Consequently, their academic dreams have been put on indefinite hold.  

Meanwhile, the consequences of unpaid fees have been severe. One student was deported in 2023 after her legal documents expired, while three others were forced to return to Liberia between 2023 and 2024. Those who remain in Cyprus describe themselves as trapped in fear and uncertainty. “We are forced to stay indoors most of the time,” another student recounted. “If the police arrest us because our documents are expired, we will be deported. So we live in fear every day.”  

Furthermore, the students say their immigration status prevents them from obtaining work permits. Restricted to student visas, they are unable to legally earn income. As a result, they resort to irregular and strenuous labor simply to survive. Additionally, their situation has been complicated by health concerns. One student is reportedly battling a serious medical condition but has avoided seeking treatment due to his expired documents. “He is in critical health condition but cannot go to the hospital,” the group disclosed. “If he is arrested, even while sick, he could be jailed and deported and be made to buy his own return ticket to Liberia.”  

The students allege that Senator Joseph’s son, identified as Hope Joseph, is also in Cyprus but has not received support. They claim that the senator has withdrawn all assistance, leaving them to fend for themselves. “He has abandoned us,” the students lamented. “We just want to go back home.” The case highlights the vulnerability of international students who rely on sponsors for financial and legal support. Without consistent backing, their education and well-being are jeopardized. However, the situation raises broader questions about accountability and transparency in scholarship programs facilitated by public officials. When such initiatives fail, the consequences can be devastating for the beneficiaries. 

 
The students’ plight also underscores the challenges faced by Liberians studying abroad. Many depend on scholarships or sponsorships that are often subject to political influence, leaving them exposed when promises are not fulfilled. In Cyprus, the students say they have become isolated, unable to participate in normal academic or social life. Their expired documents make them vulnerable to arrest, and their lack of income leaves them struggling to afford basic necessities. Some of the students expressed regret over leaving Liberia, saying they would have been better off pursuing education locally rather than enduring hardship abroad. 

 
Meanwhile, the deportations and forced returns have added to their sense of despair. Those who remain fear that they too may be expelled if their situation does not improve. Efforts to reach Senator Joseph for comment have so far been unsuccessful. Messages sent to him were reportedly read but not answered. His silence has fueled frustration among the stranded students. Senator Joseph, who is widely regarded as a potential contender in Liberia’s 2029 presidential race, now faces mounting criticism over the allegations. His handling of the situation could have political repercussions.

Author: Victor Quaye