The federal government is ending a major scholarship programme (Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme) for university students abroad, citing the improvement of higher education at home and the country’s “limited public funds.”
The move comes as the country faces an economic crisis following reforms by President Bola Tinubu.
“Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,” said Education Minister Morufu Olatunji Alausa in a statement, announcing the end of the programme.
“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.” He noted that this discontinuation reflects a compassionate and equitable strategy to manage limited public funds responsibly, adding that “the costs involved in sponsoring students abroad, including airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances, are better redirected into strengthening local institutions where more Nigerians can benefit.”
Alausa said the money would be better spent on strengthening Nigeria’s own universities.
Students currently enrolled will continue to receive funding through the end of their studies, he said.
Alausa also clarified that the government remains open to foreign governments offering fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students under bilateral or multilateral arrangements.
These offers, as listed by him, must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, and healthcare and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian government.
The minister also assured that all current beneficiaries of the BEA Programme will continue to enjoy full government support until the completion of their studies.
Alausa added that the discontinuation of the BEA Programme will not affect other domestic scholarship initiatives, such as the Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics, the Federal Government Bursary for Education students, and the Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members.
After taking office in May 2023, Tinubu embarked on an economic reform drive, which the government said was necessary to right the public finances of the continent’s most populous country.
The Nigerian leader scrapped costly fuel subsidies and relaxed the exchange rate for the naira currency — moves that have sent inflation soaring but which supporters say are necessary in the long run.
READ ALSO: FG begins overhaul of NYSC scheme, plans to add teachers and medical corps
While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last month reiterated its support for the reforms, it noted that the “gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high”.
The Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which offers interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education in the nation, will be expanded, he added.
“This is not an end, but a new beginning. Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind.”