BEA scholars demand 2025 full stipends

Nigerian students studying abroad under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship scheme have expressed concern that their outstanding stipends could become more difficult to settle after the closure of the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles on September 30.

The scholars raised the concern after acknowledging receipt of part payment of their 2025 stipends, saying the money had provided some relief but was far from resolving the prolonged payment crisis.

The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars said only about 23 per cent of the total 2025 stipends had so far been paid, despite repeated assurances that the outstanding amount would be released within two weeks.

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Umar Adamu, and obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the union expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and officials involved in the latest payment.

The union, however, said more needed to be done to clear the outstanding obligations owed to scholars.

“While the amount budgeted for the year 2025 was only 46 per cent of the total amount required for the year, only half of that amount was paid despite repeated assurances from the minister that the remaining amount would be paid within the next two weeks.’

“Our concern remains that after 30th September 2026, the budget cycles for both 2024 and 2025 may be closed. In the same vein, we wish to appeal to the government, through the Honourable Minister of Education, to ensure the immediate release of the remaining 2025 payment, as well as all other outstanding backlogs,” the union said.

According to the group, the payment challenges extend beyond 2025.

It said scholars were still owed stipends covering four months in 2023, alongside a separate shortfall of more than $1,000. It added that only about 46 per cent of the total stipends for 2024 had been paid.

“For 2025, only 23 per cent of the total stipends have been paid,” the union said.

The scholars also disclosed that no payment had been received for 2026 as of the time the statement was issued.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu, Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, the Federal Scholarship Board and other stakeholders to intervene urgently and prevent the accumulation of further arrears.

The BEA scholarship programme is part of Nigeria’s international education cooperation arrangements, under which selected Nigerian students receive government-funded scholarships to study in partner countries.

The latest development highlights the continuing financial challenges faced by some Nigerian government-sponsored scholars abroad, with delayed stipends potentially affecting their ability to meet living and academic expenses in their host countries.