Federal Government Cancels Foreign Scholarship Scheme, Labels It “Waste of Resources"
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the cancellation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, ending decades of international academic cooperation under the scheme.
OTN News further reports that the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, who disclosed the decision on Tuesday, cited mismanagement, lack of oversight, and inequity in resource distribution.
OTN News observes that the BEA programme, which enabled Nigerian students to study in countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia, was introduced to strengthen diplomatic ties and provide educational opportunities through mutual cooperation.
However, Alausa noted that recent criticisms by past and current beneficiaries alleging neglect prompted the government review.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Alausa declared the programme “a waste of resources,” vowing that it would be discontinued after 2025.
According to him, “in 2025 alone, the government planned to spend N9 billion on just 1,200 students, that is unjust when millions of Nigerian students receive no support. Every single course these students are studying abroad is offered in Nigerian universities.”
He further criticized the academic planning behind the scholarships, citing students studying English, Psychology, and Sociology in French-speaking Algeria. “We teach these courses better in Nigeria,” he said.
OTN News reports that Alausa also expressed frustration over what he described as the “blackmailing” tactics of some scholars on social media, noting that despite such conduct, the government had paid all supplementary allowances up to December 2024 and was working to address any outstanding entitlements affected by exchange rate fluctuations.
“In 2024, I was asked to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco. I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students,” Alausa added.
While confirming that current BEA beneficiaries would be allowed to complete their studies, Alausa emphasized that no new admissions would be granted under the scheme from 2025 onward.
He stated that the government will redirect the funds toward domestic scholarship initiatives that will have broader reach and impact.
“There is no academic monitoring. We pay for free annual travel without tracking performance. That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, NANS President Olushola Oladoja commended the minister for his bold reforms and significant progress since assuming office, describing the redirection of funds as a strategic move to prioritize equity and national development in education.
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