The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme, bringing relief to hundreds of scholars in partner countries across the world. The development was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the statement, the funds approved for the payment of the allowances have already been transferred through the Central Bank of Nigeria to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate disbursement to eligible students. The ministry explained that the payment marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s effort to fulfil its obligations to Nigerian scholars studying overseas under the Bilateral Education Agreement arrangement, which covers tuition support and welfare allowances for students in various countries.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, while assuring beneficiaries that steps were being taken to settle the remaining balance. Alausa stated that the administration remains committed to ensuring that Nigerian students studying abroad under government-sponsored arrangements receive the support necessary to continue their academic pursuits without disruption.
The minister noted that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of education as a strategic investment in national development, stressing that the welfare of Nigerian students abroad remains a priority. For months, many beneficiaries of the scholarship programme had expressed concerns over delays in the payment of stipends and other entitlements, with some students reportedly facing financial hardship in their host countries due to rising living costs and exchange rate fluctuations.
The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme is a longstanding educational cooperation arrangement between Nigeria and several partner nations. Through the initiative, Nigerian students are offered opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in countries that maintain educational exchange agreements with Nigeria. Beneficiaries of the scheme are spread across countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions, where they study courses considered critical to national development, including medicine, engineering, science, technology and languages.
The ministry stated that Nigerian embassies and missions involved in the process had been directed to ensure prompt distribution of the approved allowances to qualified scholars without unnecessary delays. Officials also assured that relevant government agencies were working closely to address administrative bottlenecks that may have contributed to previous payment delays.
The statement further reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships and sustaining scholarship programmes designed to build human capital and expand educational opportunities for Nigerian youths. The latest payment is expected to ease pressure on many Nigerian students abroad who have struggled with accommodation, feeding and academic expenses amid global economic challenges.
Observers say the move may also restore confidence among beneficiaries and stakeholders who had repeatedly called on the government to expedite payment of outstanding entitlements. While acknowledging that only half of the approved obligations had been released so far, the ministry maintained that arrangements were already underway to complete payment of the outstanding balance in due course.
The government urged beneficiaries to remain patient and continue engaging with Nigerian missions in their respective countries for updates regarding the disbursement process. The announcement comes amid broader efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the education sector through reforms, improved funding and enhanced support for students both within and outside the country.
