The Federal Government has started the payment of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students benefiting from the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme in various partner countries.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. The ministry disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions for onward payment to eligible students abroad.
Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, explained that the released funds represent 50 percent of the outstanding allowances approved for 2025. He added that arrangements were already in progress to clear the remaining balance.
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According to the minister, the funds have reached the accounts of Nigerian missions overseas, with beneficiaries expected to begin receiving payments immediately. Students under the scheme were also advised to regularly check their bank accounts as the disbursement process continues.
The BEA Scholarship Programme, which supports Nigerian students studying in partner countries with assistance from the government, had faced complaints from scholars over delays in the payment of allowances. Although the programme has since been discontinued, existing beneficiaries are still entitled to government support.
Alausa said the latest payment reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving student welfare and strengthening human capital development through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
