The Federal Government has officially scrapped its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, saying it will now channel those funds into strengthening Nigeria’s domestic tertiary education system.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, May 7.
He said the move followed a policy review aimed at better aligning the country’s educational priorities with local realities.
“Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,” Dr. Alausa stated.
“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”
He added that the government considered the decision a responsible way to manage scarce public funds.
“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,” he explained.
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While the BEA scheme will no longer be funded by Nigeria, the Minister clarified that the country remains open to foreign governments providing fully funded scholarships.
“These offers must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government,” he said.
Dr. Alausa, however, assured that students currently studying under the BEA programme will continue to receive full support until they complete their studies. “We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.
He also assured that the termination of the BEA scheme will not affect other domestic scholarship initiatives.
These include 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.
In addition, Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which provides interest-free loans to students enrolled in local institutions.
“This is not an end, but a new beginning,” he concluded. “Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind.”