FG Reaffirms Support for Nigerian Students Abroad

Our correspondent, Yakub IKHELUWA, reports that the Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.

The BEA Programme, a product of Nigeria’s diplomatic ties and international cooperation, allows qualified Nigerian students to pursue academic programmes in countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.

These host countries provide free tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends, while the Federal Government complements the support with take-off grants, monthly supplementation, and return tickets upon successful completion of their studies.

Speaking on the status of the programme, the Minister of Education, Marufu Tunji Alausa, disclosed that all supplementary allowances due to Nigerian scholars under the scheme have been fully paid up to December 2024. This, he said, underscores the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prioritize the needs of Nigerian students abroad.

The Ministry acknowledged that recent exchange rate fluctuations led to funding shortfalls in disbursements. To address this, the Minister has made a formal request for additional funds to cover the differentials and ensure that all affected students receive their full entitlements.

According to the Ministry, provisions for the scholarship programme have been included in the 2024 Capital Budget, and disbursement for the 2025 fiscal year will commence as soon as implementation begins.

The Ministry assured all stakeholders of its continued dedication to supporting Nigerian students overseas and fulfilling its responsibilities under the BEA scheme in a timely and effective manner.

It also extended sincere appreciation to all students and their families for their patience and understanding, reaffirming its commitment to the continued success of the Bilateral Education Agreement Programme.