MONROVIA, Liberia — Less than a day after The Liberian Post published a plea to help “Integrity Icon” Emmanuel Tuloe return to school, a midlevel Liberian government official stepped in to cover his tuition, clearing the way for the young man’s immediate return to class.
Eric Ceekay Sayee, Deputy Managing Director for Operations at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), has fully paid Tuloe’s fees at the Risk Institute, according to people close to the effort. The gesture followed The Liberian Post’s Wednesday report, “Plea for Liberia’s Integrity Icon: A Nation Called to Help Tuloe Return to School,” which said Tuloe had dropped out despite prior scholarship promises made after his widely praised act of honesty in 2021.
Tuloe rose to national prominence that year after returning a large sum of money he found along a highway, earning plaudits at home and abroad and becoming a symbol of integrity for Liberian youth. Public concern grew this week after reports that financial constraints had forced him out of school, despite earlier assurances of support. The Liberian Post’s story galvanized fresh appeals, culminating in Sayee’s intervention on Thursday.
In a statement thanking Sayee, Ms. Clara Mallah—who featured in The Liberian Post’s earlier report—said his help moved her to tears. “I have never met Mr. Eric Sayee… but scripture says we should work so that they will see our good work and glorify our Father who is in Heaven,” she wrote. “As I read this article, tears came down my eyes… for I know what it means not to have, and someone comes in to help. I have to extend thanks and appreciation to you, Mr. Sayee, for this great initiative. Our Icon, Emmanuel Tuloe, is back in school… We’re grateful. So much appreciation! God bless you, sir.”
Sayee’s support drew praise on social media and in community forums as a timely act of leadership at a moment when public confidence in official promises has been tested. Advocates said the move restores momentum to Tuloe’s educational journey and reinforces the message that honesty is valued—and rewarded—in Liberia.
Details of any longer-term scholarship arrangement were not immediately disclosed. The Liberian Post’s report referenced earlier commitments made to Tuloe in 2021, including a scholarship; those could not be independently confirmed on Thursday. For Tuloe, the payment marks a hopeful turn in a story that once inspired a nation. With his tuition settled and his return to the classroom secured, supporters say his example can again serve as a beacon—reminding Liberians that integrity, humility and perseverance still open doors.
