The Federal Government has started disbursing part of the outstanding 2025 allowances owed to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship programme.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has already transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate payment to beneficiaries.
According to the ministry, the released funds represent 50 per cent of the outstanding obligations for 2025, while efforts are ongoing to clear the remaining balance.
“The funds have already reached embassy accounts, and affected missions are expected to begin immediate payments to beneficiaries,” the statement said.
Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, had earlier disclosed during an interview on Channels Television that the government was owing BEA scholars about N4bn after previously releasing another N4bn for payments.
Students under the programme have now been advised to monitor their accounts as the payments begin to reflect.
The ministry said the move demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students studying overseas.
The BEA scholarship scheme, created through agreements with countries including China, Russia, Hungary, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Serbia, allows Nigerian students to study abroad while host countries cover tuition and accommodation.
Nigeria is responsible for allowances covering feeding, transport, books, health insurance and medical expenses.
However, the programme has faced years of controversy after repeated delays in stipend payments reportedly left many scholars stranded abroad.
Last year, the Federal Government suspended the programme for new applicants over allegations of fraud and claims that it had drifted from its original purpose.
