The Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scheme, citing it as an unsustainable and inequitable use of national resources.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.
Describing the programme as a “waste of resources,” Alausa expressed frustration over the conduct of some BEA scholars, whom he accused of “blackmailing the government” on social media despite efforts to address their concerns.
The BEA scheme had allowed Nigerian students to study in partner countries such as China, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Serbia through scholarship opportunities made possible by diplomatic partnerships.
Alausa revealed that the government had already paid all supplementary allowances to beneficiaries up to December 2024 and was working to clear remaining arrears affected by exchange rate volatility. Nonetheless, he argued that the programme no longer aligned with Nigeria’s education priorities.
“In 2024, when I assumed office, I was asked to approve N650 million for just 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme. I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students,” he said.
He disclosed that funds previously allocated to the BEA would now be redirected to expand local scholarship opportunities that would benefit a greater number of Nigerian students.
The move comes amid public outcry from former BEA beneficiaries who accused the government of neglecting their welfare abroad, despite official assurances of payments and ongoing financial support.
With this decision, the government aims to strengthen scholarship funding within Nigeria, improve access to tertiary education, and promote equity in educational support across the nation.
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