FG Begins Payment of Outstanding Allowances to Stranded BEA Scholars Abroad

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of outstanding allowances owed to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, following months of protests and public outrage by affected scholars.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that funds had been released and remitted through the Central Bank of Nigeria to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate disbursement to beneficiaries in partner countries.

50% of 2025 Arrears Cleared

According to the ministry, the released funds cover 50% of approved outstanding obligations for 2025, with arrangements ongoing to settle the remaining balance. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said affected students are expected to begin receiving payments immediately through the relevant embassies.

“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 statement read.

The development comes after months of distressing reports about the plight of BEA scholars. Nigerian students in Morocco, Hungary, Russia, and other partner countries had reported homelessness and hunger, unable to afford even basic medical care after stipends were halted. Each scholar was promised a monthly stipend of $500 alongside accommodation and travel support.

One scholar, identified as Bashir Malami, reportedly died after battling tuberculosis because he could not afford medical treatment. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had accused the Tinubu administration of abandoning approximately 1,600 scholars.

Alausa said the payments reflect the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the welfare of Nigerian students abroad.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Nairametrics