The Federal Government has started the payment of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.
This was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement issued on Wednesday through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate disbursement to eligible scholars.
Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the released funds represent 50 percent of the approved outstanding payments for 2025, while arrangements are ongoing to settle the remaining balance.
He added that the money has already reached embassy accounts, with affected missions expected to begin payment to beneficiaries immediately. Students under the programme were advised to monitor their accounts as payments are expected to reflect soon.
The BEA Scholarship Programme supports Nigerian students studying in partner countries with financial assistance from the Federal Government. Although the programme has been suspended for new applicants, existing beneficiaries had repeatedly raised concerns over delays in the payment of allowances.
The government said the latest disbursement is intended to ease the financial burden on scholars abroad.
Alausa stated that the payment reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students overseas under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its obligations to scholars and promoting policies that support quality education, student welfare, and national development.
