Says Courses Nigerians Travel Now Available at Home
- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has stopped the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.
This was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Education’s, Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the stoppage of the scholarship programme in Abuja.
This, according to the Minister, follows a thorough policy review which was aimed at consolidating national investment in domestic tertiary institutions.
Alausa held that courses Nigerians travel to learn abroad are now in the country and as such unjustifiable to fund same courses studied abroad with public resources.
“Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,
“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.” He said.
Alausa stressed that this discontinuation reflects a compassionate and equitable strategy to manage limited public funds responsibly.
“The costs involved in sponsoring students abroad including airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances are better redirected into strengthening local institutions where more Nigerians can benefit,” he noted.
However, the Minister clarified that the Federal Government remains open to foreign governments offering fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students under bilateral or multilateral arrangements.
These offers must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government.
The Minister also assured that all current beneficiaries Of the BEA Programme will continue to enjoy full government support until the completion of their studies.
“We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.
However, Alausa noted that the discontinuation of the BEA Programme will not affect other domestic scholarship initiatives, such as the Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics, Federal Government Bursary for Education students, and the Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education within the country.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming the Ministrys commitment to equity, access, and sustainability in education.
“This is not an end, but a new beginning. Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind.” He said.