FG Begins Payment of Delayed Scholarship Allowances to Nigerian Students Abroad
Nigerian Students Abroad to Receive Delayed Scholarship Payments as FG Releases Funds
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship allowances owed to Nigerian students studying overseas, marking a partial resolution to months of funding delays that triggered concerns among beneficiaries across multiple countries.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday, stating that 50% of approved outstanding obligations under the BEA scholarship programme had been released for payment to beneficiaries abroad.
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According to the ministry, the funds were processed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and transferred to Nigerian diplomatic missions for onward disbursement to students enrolled under the programme.
Government releases partial settlement of scholarship arrears
The Ministry of Education stated that Nigerian embassies and missions abroad have already received the funds and were directed to begin immediate payments to eligible students.
Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa said the current disbursement represents the first phase of settlement, while efforts are ongoing to release the remaining balance owed to scholars.
“The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of approved outstanding 2025 allowances to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries abroad,” the ministry stated.
The government advised affected students to monitor their bank accounts as payments begin across various countries covered under the programme.
Delays triggered concerns among students abroad
The payment follows months of complaints from Nigerian students overseas over delayed stipends, unpaid allowances, and rising financial hardship.
In March 2025, the Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) raised concerns over delayed payments and reported reductions in scholarship allowances, warning that many students had been left stranded abroad due to funding gaps.
Several beneficiaries had complained about difficulties covering accommodation, feeding, tuition-related expenses, and academic materials following prolonged payment delays.
The issue intensified public scrutiny of the BEA programme after reports emerged that some students studying in countries such as Morocco, Russia, China, Algeria, Egypt, Serbia, and Hungary faced severe financial pressure.
According to the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), the Federal Government recently approved approximately ₦8 billion to clear outstanding obligations under the scheme, with half of the amount already released for immediate disbursement.
Government defends scholarship reforms
The payment comes amid broader reforms to Nigeria’s foreign scholarship policy.
Earlier in 2025, the Federal Government announced the discontinuation of new government-funded BEA scholarships, arguing that many of the courses funded abroad could already be studied within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Minister Alausa described the programme as financially burdensome relative to domestic education priorities, noting that public resources should increasingly support local institutions capable of accommodating more students.
The ministry maintained that while new foreign-funded scholarship awards have largely been discontinued, existing beneficiaries would continue to receive support until completion of their studies.
Officials also said future scholarship arrangements would prioritise programmes fully funded by foreign host governments rather than relying on direct Nigerian government financing.
Education funding pressures remain a challenge
The controversy surrounding delayed scholarship payments reflects broader fiscal pressures facing Nigeria’s education sector.
Despite recent reforms, students and advocacy groups continue to raise concerns over delays affecting scholarship disbursements, educational grants, and institutional funding.
Data from the Federal Ministry of Education shows that the 2026 budget includes ₦5.6 billion for servicing 1,532 continuing BEA scholars and ₦1.764 billion earmarked for 300 fresh scholarship slots.
The allocation also includes funding for verification exercises across multiple partner countries participating in the bilateral scholarship framework.
Outlook for Nigeria’s foreign scholarship programme
The commencement of payments may provide temporary relief for affected Nigerian students abroad, many of whom have faced months of financial uncertainty.
However, the broader future of Nigeria’s foreign scholarship system remains uncertain as the government continues to review spending priorities within the education sector.
While authorities insist that existing scholars will complete their programmes, policy reforms suggest a gradual shift toward strengthening domestic tertiary institutions and reducing reliance on government-funded overseas education schemes.
The effectiveness of the ongoing payment process and the government’s ability to clear remaining arrears could significantly influence confidence among current scholarship beneficiaries and future education policy stakeholders.
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