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Nigerian students studying abroad under the federal government’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship are facing financial difficulties after the government reduced their allowances by 12.7%. The affected students, who are studying in countries such as Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, are reportedly stranded and struggling to meet their financial obligations.
The reduction in allowances was communicated in a memo dated July 23, 2024, addressed to the students’ union. The memo, signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, cited the economic crisis in Nigeria as the reason for the cuts. The government assured the students that the balance owed would be paid when funds become available.
Nigerian students studying in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other countries have recently complained about unpaid stipends for the past eight months. Ayuba Anas, the president of the students’ association, stated that scholars have endured financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends. He also mentioned that some students in China have not received any stipends since April and May 2023.
The memo from the Federal Scholarship Board outlined the new adjustments: monthly allowances have been reduced from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2,500 to $2,000, and postgraduate research allowances from $1,000 to $500. The total payment per student, initially $5,650, has now been reduced to $4,370.
The government’s memo emphasized that the adjustment was necessary due to the prevailing economic situation and assured that the balances owed for the years 2023 and 2024 would be paid as soon as funds are available.
