The federal government has announced a five-year suspension of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, citing the need to promote local student development and improve access to quality education within Nigeria.
Dr Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, announced a comprehensive review of academic programmes offered abroad under the scheme.
Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations, saidd in a statement that the review concluded that all courses available through the BEA scholarship were now being offered in Nigerian institutions, many with enhanced quality.
“We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad. Every single one is now offered here at home,” Alausa said.
He emphasised that while the government encourages Nigerians to study locally, the suspension does not prevent individuals from pursuing private education overseas.
“We must be fair and equitable to every citizen. The government currently spends significantly on tickets, stipends, and other costs to send students abroad for education they can now access at home, often of better quality,” he said.
Dr Alausa clarified that the federal government would continue to accept fully funded scholarships from BEA partner countries, provided they cover tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, healthcare, and a minimum monthly stipend of $500, with no financial obligation to Nigeria.
The minister also said the suspension would not affect other federal scholarship initiatives. These include the Nigerian Scholarship Award for students in public universities and polytechnics, the Education Bursary Award for undergraduates studying education, and the Presidential Scholarship for exceptional ex-NYSC corps members.
He equally highlighted improvements to the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which now offers enhanced financial support to students enrolled in local tertiary institutions.
All current BEA scholarship beneficiaries will continue to receive full government support until the completion of their studies and return to Nigeria, Dr Alausa confirmed.
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to equitable access to education, the minister said efforts were underway to expand local scholarship opportunities and ensure that “no dream is delayed or denied”.
The BEA programme, established through diplomatic partnerships, has enabled Nigerian students to study in countries such as China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.
Host countries typically provide tuition, accommodation, and stipends, while the Nigerian government covers take-off grants, supplementary allowances, and return travel.
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