The Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has announced a five-year suspension of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, aimed at enhancing student development and well-being.
Following a thorough review of academic programmes undertaken abroad, Dr Alausa stated that all courses previously accessed through international scholarships are now available—and in many cases, better delivered within Nigerian institutions.
“We have carefully assessed the range of courses pursued by our citizens overseas,” he said. “Each of those programmes is now offered domestically.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Boriowo Folashade, the Minister further clarified that the moratorium supports the advancement of local education but does not prevent parents from privately funding their children’s studies abroad.
“We must ensure fairness to all citizens. Presently, we are incurring significant costs to send students overseas—covering flights, living allowances, and other expenses—for an education that can now be obtained more effectively at home,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the Federal Government will continue to welcome BEA partner countries offering scholarships to Nigerian students, provided such programmes are fully funded by the host nation. This includes covering tuition fees, accommodation, travel, healthcare, and a monthly stipend of no less than $500, all at no cost to the Nigerian government.
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Dr Alausa further assured the public that the suspension will not affect other critical scholarship schemes. These include the Nigerian Scholarship for students in public universities and polytechnics, the Education Bursary Awards for students studying Education, and the Presidential NYSC Ex-Corps Scholarship—all of which will remain in operation.
He also underscored recent improvements to the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, which now offers substantial financial assistance to students pursuing higher education within the country.
Dr Alausa reaffirmed that current beneficiaries of the BEA Scholarship will continue to receive full government support until the completion of their programmes abroad and their return to Nigeria.
“We remain committed to fulfilling all promises made to our students studying overseas,” he said.
The Minister concluded by emphasising the government’s renewed commitment to expanding domestic scholarship opportunities and strengthening the local education system, ensuring that no student’s ambitions are delayed or denied.
