ABUJA — The Federal Government has officially discontinued the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, citing inefficiencies, poor oversight, and a lack of value for public funds. The decision was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a meeting with newly elected officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Dr. Alausa revealed that the funds previously allocated to the BEA scheme will now be redirected to support local scholarship programmes aimed at benefitting a larger number of Nigerian students.
“In 2024, when I assumed office, I was asked to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme. I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students,” the minister said.
The BEA scholarship was established through partnerships with countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia, providing Nigerian students opportunities for higher education abroad. However, the scheme has come under increasing scrutiny, especially as many beneficiaries have reported being stranded overseas due to unpaid allowances.
Although the government had previously assured that supplementary payments had been made up to December 2024 and that additional funds had been requested to cushion foreign exchange shortfalls, Dr. Alausa insisted that the programme was no longer sustainable.
“I reviewed the courses—some students went to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English. That is simply illogical. These are courses we teach better in Nigeria,” he noted, criticizing the apparent lack of academic oversight.
He also disclosed that the government had projected N9 billion to sponsor just 1,200 students abroad in 2025, while millions of Nigerian students continue to lack any form of financial support. “Every single course those 1,200 students are studying abroad is available in Nigerian universities. It’s unjust and unsustainable,” he said.
While current BEA beneficiaries will be supported until they complete their studies, no new students will be admitted into the programme after 2025.
“This programme is not the best use of public funds. That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.
Responding to the announcement, NANS President Olushola Oladoja commended the minister for his transparency and commitment to educational reform.
