The Federal Ministry of Education has debunked reports suggesting that Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholars studying abroad will be reintegrated into Nigerian universities.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry described the circulating document titled “BEA: Education Minister receives committee’s report” as false, misleading, and not reflective of the Ministry’s policies.
“The Ministry categorically states that no such committee was inaugurated and no such plan for reintegration exists,” the statement read. “The public is hereby advised to disregard the report in its entirety.”
The clarification follows the circulation of a document on social media platforms, falsely claiming that a policy committee had been established to oversee the return of BEA scholars to Nigerian institutions.
The Ministry emphasized that the Federal Government had formally discontinued the BEA scholarship programme after a comprehensive policy review. The decision, according to the Ministry, aligns with the government’s strategy to strengthen local tertiary education by offering world-class academic programmes across Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
“Courses previously studied under the BEA scheme are now being offered at home, in many cases at comparable or superior standards,” the Ministry noted.
However, the Ministry assured that students currently on BEA scholarships abroad would not be affected by the policy shift. It stated that ongoing scholars will continue to receive full funding, including tuition, stipends, and other entitlements, until the completion of their programmes.
The Ministry further urged media organisations and the general public to verify information through official government communication channels and avoid spreading unverified claims.
