Federal Government Cancels Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, Redirects Funding to Local Initiatives
The Federal Government announced on Tuesday the termination of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, describing it as an unsustainable and inefficient allocation of public resources. This decision comes in the wake of mounting grievances from Nigerian scholars stranded overseas who accused the government of not fulfilling its financial obligations regarding the scheme.
Launched through diplomatic agreements with countries including China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia, the BEA programme previously enabled hundreds of Nigerian students to pursue higher education abroad under government sponsorship. However, the government had recently assured that all supplemental allowances would be settled through December 2024, with additional funds being requested to cover outstanding amounts affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations.
During a visit from newly elected officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, officially announced the end of the programme. He highlighted plans to reallocate funding from the BEA to local scholarship initiatives, aiming to benefit a larger pool of students within Nigeria.
“When I took office in 2024, I was presented with a request to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme, which I declined. It’s not equitable to prioritize few students over the many,” Alausa stated.
The minister also pointed out that students were pursuing degrees in fields such as English, psychology, and sociology in countries where those subjects are not taught in Nigeria’s primary languages. He emphasized that local universities provide a more effective education in these disciplines.
Alausa recounted his review of the courses being studied by Nigerian students abroad, noting illogical placements, such as students going to Algeria, a Francophone country, to study English. “That defies logic. These are programs we can deliver better here,” he remarked.
Moreover, he expressed concern over the lack of oversight and performance monitoring in the BEA, criticizing the government’s practice of sending scholars abroad each year without tracking their academic achievements. “In 2025, we had projected N9 billion to support just 1,200 students overseas. Meanwhile, millions of students within Nigeria are left unsupported. It is simply unjust and not sustainable,” Alausa declared.
He assured that while existing BEA beneficiaries would receive support to complete their studies, no new admissions would be accepted after 2025. “This programme is not the most effective use of public funds. The resources will now be directed towards local scholarships to assist more Nigerian students,” he concluded.
In response, Olushola Oladoja, the newly elected NANS President, commended the minister for his transparency and the reforms implemented since he took office.
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