FG Ends Bilateral Scholarships to Bolster Local Universities
In a landmark policy shift aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s local education system, the Federal Government has officially announced the discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made this announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that the decision follows a comprehensive policy review and is part of a broader strategy to channel public funds into domestic educational development.
“Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,” Dr. Alausa stated.
“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”
According to the Minister, the decision underscores the government’s commitment to equitable and sustainable management of limited public funds. He highlighted the high costs involved in sending students abroad—including airfare, tuition, stipends, and living expenses—as funds that could instead enhance infrastructure, staffing, and services across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“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.
Despite the discontinuation, Dr. Alausa clarified that Nigeria remains open to foreign governments that offer fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students through bilateral or multilateral agreements.
However, these scholarships must be completely covered by the donor countries, including tuition, accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and a monthly allowance of no less than $500—with “no financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government.”
The Minister also reassured the public that all current BEA scholarship beneficiaries will continue to receive full support until the completion of their studies.
“We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the termination of the BEA Programme will not affect other domestic scholarship schemes. He reiterated that initiatives such as the Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics, the Federal Government Bursary for Education students, and the Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members will continue to operate as planned.
He also restated the government’s commitment to expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which offers interest-free loans for students pursuing higher education locally. Dr. Alausa concluded on a hopeful note: “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.”
