FG directs Nigerian embassies, missions to disburse outstanding allowances to Nigerian scholars abroad
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The Federal Government has commenced disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students benefiting from the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, bringing relief to scholars who have been awaiting payment across various partner countries.
The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has successfully remitted approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions abroad, with instructions for immediate disbursement to eligible beneficiaries.
Announcing the development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the released funds represent 50 percent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, with efforts actively underway to facilitate the release of the remaining balance.
“The funds have already reached the respective embassy accounts, and the affected embassies are expected to commence immediate payment to eligible scholars,” the minister stated, urging beneficiaries to monitor their accounts as payments begin to reflect.
The BEA scholarship programme, now terminated, had provided Nigerian students with government-sponsored study opportunities in several partner countries. The outstanding allowances had been a source of anxiety for many scholars, making the commencement of payment a significant milestone.
Dr. Alausa described the disbursement as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to the welfare and academic progress of Nigerians studying abroad, consistent with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also commended the patience and resilience shown by the affected scholars during the period of delay, assuring them that the government remains firmly committed to ensuring that no Nigerian student pursuing academic excellence under a government scholarship scheme is left without support.
The ministry further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to honour all legitimate obligations to Nigerian scholars and to sustain policies that promote access to quality education, student welfare, and national development through strategic investment in human capital.
“The Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that no Nigerian student pursuing academic excellence under government scholarship schemes is left unsupported,” Dr. Alausa emphasised.
The ministry reassured all stakeholders, including scholars, parents, and partner institutions, of its continued commitment to supporting Nigerian students globally and ensuring the effective implementation of all government scholarship programmes.
Eligible BEA scholars in the affected countries are advised to liaise with their respective Nigerian Embassies or Missions for specific information regarding payment timelines and processes, and to ensure their account details on record are current and accurate to avoid any delays in receiving their entitlements.