The Federal Government has officially ended the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, a long-running initiative that funded Nigerian students to study in countries like China, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, Morocco, and Serbia.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, announced the decision during a meeting with the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja. He described the programme as a poor use of public resources, particularly because the courses students travelled abroad to study were already available in Nigerian universities.
“I reviewed the courses, some students were sent to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology—programmes we offer better here in Nigeria,” he said.
The move comes in the wake of growing criticism over the management of the BEA scheme, especially regarding delayed stipends and poor welfare conditions faced by students abroad.
In March 2024, the Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) raised the alarm over severe hardships. Students had not received payments from September 2023 to August 2024. When funds were eventually disbursed in September 2024, the stipend had been slashed by over 56%, dropping from $500 to $220.
UNBEAS revealed that many scholars were evicted, starved, or unable to access medical care. The group demanded payment of all outstanding arrears, restoration of the original stipend, and consistent disbursements.
Responding to the outcry, the government stated in April 2025 that all outstanding allowances had been paid up to December 2024. However, Dr. Alausa expressed disappointment that some students resorted to what he termed “blackmail” on social media to pressure the government.
The minister also disclosed that shortly after assuming office, he rejected a proposal to approve ₦650 million for 60 students scheduled to study in Morocco.
“I refused. It’s not fair to the majority of Nigerian students,” he said.
He further revealed that in 2025 alone, the government would have spent ₦9 billion on just 1,200 BEA students—a cost he described as unjustifiable when millions of students within Nigeria lack support.
“Every single course these students are studying abroad is available in Nigerian universities,” he added.
With the BEA programme officially winding down, the government now plans to redirect those funds towards expanding local scholarship schemes to benefit more Nigerian students.
“We are cancelling the BEA. It is not the best use of public funds. The money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more Nigerian students,” Alausa concluded.
NANS President Olushola Oladoja praised the government’s move, commending the minister for the reforms and his commitment to improving the state of education in Nigeria.
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