Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education

The Ministry of Education, acting on behalf of the Federal Government, has announced a 12.7% reduction in the stipends provided to foreign scholars currently residing in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, and other locations. This decision was made in response to ongoing economic challenges.

A recent report highlighted the plight of Nigerian students enrolled in the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship program in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other countries. These students have been facing significant difficulties due to the non-payment of their stipends for a consecutive eight-month period.

The BEA scholarship program facilitates educational exchange programs between Nigeria and its partner countries. The Federal Scholarship Board, under the Federal Ministry of Education, oversees this initiative. A recent government decision to reduce scholars’ allowances was communicated via a memo signed by Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education.

The memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, detailed adjustments to allowances for the 2024 academic year due to budgetary constraints.

Specifically, monthly allowances decreased from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2500 to $2000, and PG research allowances from $1,000 to $500, among other modifications.

The initial payment amount per student has been revised from $5,650 to $4,370.

The Scholars’ Association has been informed that, due to the current economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be adjusted. The ministry has stated that the outstanding balances for the years 2023 and 2024 will be settled once the necessary funds become available.

Ayuba Anas, the President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the Federal Government-controlled Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship, recently stated that scholars have not received payment for nearly eight months.

Anas highlighted the financial strain experienced by scholars enrolled in various institutions abroad due to the delayed stipend payments.

Additionally, Anas mentioned a shortfall in the last payments received and the lack of stipend payments for some students in China since their arrival in April and May 2023.