The Nigeria Federal Government has reduced the allowances of foreign scholars who are studying under the Bilateral Educational Agreement, BEA, Scholarship by 12.7 per cent. The scholars are currently stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among other countries. The reduction of the allowances was announced in a memo issued by the Nigerian Government. In the memo signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, the Federal Government explained that the balance owed to the students would be paid whenever money is available.
The government attributed the development to the current economic crunch in the country. Recently, Nigerian students studying in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other countries, on Federal Government scholarship, had lamented their unpaid stipends for eight months running. The BEA scholarship is an education exchange program between Nigeria and the partnering countries.
The Federal Government had made this known in a memo tittled: Adjustment in Payment of BEA Scholars’ Allowances for the 2024 Academic Year. “I am writing to inform you that, after careful consideration and consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has made adjustments to the payment of allowances for BEA scholars for the upcoming academic year. Effective immediately, the monthly allowance for scholars will be adjusted from $500 to $220, the graduation allowance from $2,500 to $2,000, and the Post-Graduate research allowance from $1,000 to $500. Consequently, the total amount payable to each scholar will now be $4,370, as opposed to the previous amount of $5,650. Please be advised that this adjustment is necessary due to budgetary constraints and the prevailing economic situation”.
“The scholars’ association is hereby notified that the payment mandate for BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment. Furthermore, any outstanding balances owed to scholars for the years 2023 and 2024 will be settled as soon as the necessary funds become available. Your understanding and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated”.
