The Federal Government has begun payment of long-awaited allowances to Nigerian students under the now terminated Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, releasing 50 per cent of outstanding 2025 obligations amid sustained pressure over months of financial hardship faced by scholars abroad.
The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that funds approved for the settlement of arrears have been remitted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Nigerian embassies and missions across partner countries for onward disbursement to beneficiaries.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the partial release represents the first tranche of outstanding commitments owed to the scholars, adding that government is working to secure the remaining balance “in due course.”
According to him, “the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025,” noting that embassies have been directed to commence immediate payment to affected students.
