The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the continued support of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme. This programme, which is a product of Nigeria’s strong diplomatic ties with several countries, enables students to pursue higher education in partner nations including China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.
In a recent statement, the Ministry of Education assured that all outstanding supplementary allowances for Nigerian students under the BEA Programme have been fully paid up to December 2024. The Minister highlighted that the government has consistently prioritized the welfare of these students by providing financial assistance, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends.
However, the Ministry acknowledged that recent fluctuations in exchange rates have caused some discrepancies in the disbursement of funds, leading to shortfalls in payments for certain allowances. In response to these challenges, the Minister revealed that the Ministry has formally requested additional funding to cover the differences, ensuring that students will receive their full entitlements.
Furthermore, the Ministry confirmed that the BEA Programme is included in the 2025 Capital Budget, and disbursements for the new fiscal year will commence as soon as the budget is implemented. This move is aimed at ensuring timely and uninterrupted support for Nigerian students studying abroad.
Dr. Alausa expressed gratitude to the students and their families for their patience and understanding during these challenging times. He reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting the academic and welfare needs of Nigerian students overseas, emphasizing that the Bilateral Education Agreement Programme will continue to play a key role in the country’s educational development.
The Ministry of Education also assured all stakeholders that efforts will be made to streamline the disbursement process, addressing the issues of exchange rate fluctuations and ensuring that students are not negatively affected in the future.