Liberia’s oil industry is holding its breath waiting for the outcome of ExxonMobil exploration efforts by the end of the year. With global oil prices low, and little interest by big oil companies in Liberia’s yet unproven oil reserves, Exxon’s drilling operation may represent Liberia’s last chance of discovering oil for some time. But if Liberia does have an oil boom many observers worry whether a country without oil experts can be ready for the huge task ahead? An investigation by FrontPageAfrica and New Narratives found that only one of the universities or higher institutions of learning in Liberia is offering courses in Petroleum Engineering or Oil and Gas management. These are the degrees that will be essential if Liberians are to have a role in the management of their own petroleum industry. “We are not in the position to offer oil and gas management courses, because […]