The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students benefiting from the Bilateral Education Agreement, BEA, Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries.
The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully remitted approved funds to Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad for immediate distribution to eligible scholars. The statement added that the released funds represent 50 percent of the total outstanding obligations for 2025, with efforts ongoing to settle the remaining balance.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, explained that the funds had already been credited to embassy accounts, adding that disbursement to beneficiaries was expected to begin immediately across affected countries. He also urged students under the programme to monitor their accounts for credit alerts.
The Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship scheme provides financial support for Nigerian students studying in partner countries under agreements between Nigeria and foreign governments. Although the programme has been discontinued, the government continues to fulfil existing obligations to current beneficiaries.
Over the years, many scholars had raised concerns over delays in allowance payments, which they said affected their living conditions and academic activities abroad. The latest intervention is expected to ease those financial challenges.
Dr Alausa stated that the payment reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to student welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the administration remains focused on strengthening human capital development through education support policies.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting outstanding obligations and ensuring timely support for Nigerian students studying overseas under bilateral arrangements.
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