By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government has commenced the payment of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education through a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
The ministry explained that the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully transferred approved funds to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate disbursement to eligible students.
The development is expected to ease the financial burden faced by many scholars who had complained about delayed payments while studying in partner countries overseas.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025.
He stated that efforts were ongoing to ensure the remaining balance is paid as soon as possible.
According to him, the funds have already reflected in embassy accounts, and affected missions are expected to begin payments to beneficiaries immediately.
Alausa urged students under the BEA scholarship programme to monitor their bank accounts as payments begin to reflect.
He also reassured beneficiaries that the Federal Government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations despite the discontinuation of the scholarship scheme.
The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme was designed to support Nigerian students studying in foreign partner institutions through financial assistance from the government.
However, several beneficiaries recently raised concerns over unpaid allowances and the hardship caused by the delay.
The Federal Government said the latest disbursement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises student welfare, quality education, and human capital development.
Officials added that the administration would continue implementing policies aimed at supporting Nigerian scholars and improving educational opportunities abroad.
