In a firm rebuttal to circulating misinformation, the Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed as entirely false a report claiming the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, inaugurated a committee to facilitate the reintegration of Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholars into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The statement making rounds, titled “BEA: Education Minister Receives Committee’s Report”, has been described by the Ministry as a fabrication with no basis in fact.
According to an official communication obtained by KIIN360, the Ministry clarified that there is no such committee in existence, and no reintegration framework has been initiated or authorized by Dr. Alausa. The Ministry urged members of the public, particularly stakeholders in the education sector, to ignore the misleading report and rely solely on updates released through its verified channels.
This clarification aligns with an earlier press release dated May 7, 2025, in which the Federal Government formally announced the discontinuation of the BEA Scholarship Programme. The decision, according to the Ministry, is part of a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic higher education system. Authorities noted that the courses traditionally pursued under the BEA scheme abroad are now being offered—often with improved quality—across Nigerian universities and polytechnics, rendering the foreign scholarship pathway less critical.
While the BEA programme has now been officially phased out for new applicants, the Ministry assured that Nigerian students currently enrolled under the scheme will not be affected by the policy shift. All existing BEA scholars will continue to enjoy full government sponsorship until they complete their studies. This includes the uninterrupted disbursement of tuition fees, living stipends, and other previously approved benefits.
Dr. Alausa’s leadership has consistently emphasized accountability, transparency, and a renewed focus on revitalizing Nigeria’s education infrastructure. The Ministry warned against the spread of unfounded reports, which it said can derail public trust and create confusion among students and parents.
As the federal government repositions the sector to focus more on indigenous institutions and resources, observers are encouraged to view the move as part of a broader national agenda to invest in local capacities and halt the capital flight associated with overseas education programmes.
Citizens, institutions, and media organizations are advised to verify any information relating to education policies directly through the Ministry’s official platforms to avoid being misled by unofficial sources.
