Shocking Decision: FG Calls Foreign Scholarships a Waste—What's Next?

On Tuesday, the Federal Government announced the dissolution of the Bilateral Education Agreement, calling it a "waste of resources."

The development came after previous beneficiaries of the initiative accused the administration of indifference.

The BEA Programme, which was developed via strong diplomatic ties and mutual cooperation, allowed Nigerian students to study in partner countries including China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.

Recently, the government clarified that all supplemental allowances owed to Nigerian scholars have been paid until December 2024.

It further asked for patience, stating that more monies had been requested to settle all pending rights affected by exchange rate variations.

Despite this, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated on Tuesday that the government will end the scheme.

He voiced displeasure with what he termed as the "blackmailing" behavior of some researchers participating in the plan on social media.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by newly elected representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Students, Alausa stated that the government will transfer the cash to domestic scholarship programs that would benefit more students across the country.

"When I took office in 2024, I was asked to authorize N650 million for 60 students heading to Morocco under the BEA project. I refused. It's unfair to Nigerian pupils.

“I reviewed the courses—some students went to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology—courses we teach better in Nigeria.

“By the end of 2024, all outstanding scholarships will be cleared. The 2025 scholarships are still delayed owing to the budget appropriation procedure. They'll get paid in the following months. However, we will not extend the initiative beyond 2025," the minister stated.

Alausa criticized the lack of academic oversight, pointing out that the government provides free annual trips to researchers without tracking their performance.

"In 2025, the government planned to spend N9 billion on only 1,200 students." It is wrong to spend so much money sending students abroad to pursue courses that are available locally when millions of Nigerian students do not receive any assistance," he added.

He went on to say, "We reviewed every course that these 1,200 kids are taking abroad, and every single one is offered in Nigerian universities. We're cancelling the BEA. It is not the most effective use of public dollars.

"That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students."

The minister assured everyone that current BEA beneficiaries would be allowed to complete their programs, but no new admissions would be admitted under the agreement after 2025.

Earlier, the newly elected President of NANS, Olushola Oladoja, praised the minister for the substantial accomplishments made since taking office.