Nigerian Government Scraps Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme
Education Minister Cites Inefficiency and Misuse of Funds
ABUJA – The Federal Government has announced the discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, calling it an inefficient use of public resources.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting with newly elected officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja.
Questionable Spending and Course Selection
The minister revealed shocking details about the programme’s operations, stating: “I was asked to approve N650 million for just 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme when I assumed office in 2024. I refused. It’s not fair to the majority of Nigerian students.”
Alausa criticized the academic rationale behind some scholarship placements, noting: “Some students were sent to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology – programmes we offer better here in Nigeria.”
Lack of Oversight and Accountability
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the program’s management, highlighting:
- No proper performance monitoring of scholars
- Free annual travel benefits without academic accountability
- Social media blackmail by some beneficiaries over delayed allowances
Redirecting Funds for Greater Impact
Alausa announced that the government would redirect BEA funds to domestic scholarship schemes, benefiting more Nigerian students:
“In 2025 alone, the government planned to spend N9 billion on just 1,200 students. That’s unjust when millions of students in Nigeria receive no support. Every single course these students are studying abroad is available in Nigerian universities.”
Programme Phase-Out Plan
While current beneficiaries will be allowed to complete their programmes, the minister confirmed:
“We are cancelling the BEA. It is not the best use of public funds. The money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more Nigerian students.”
The BEA programme, established through diplomatic partnerships, had enabled Nigerian students to study in countries including China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.
NANS President Olushola Oladoja commended the minister for the reforms and progress achieved in the education sector since assuming office.
Credit: Daily Nigerian