Maha Christopher
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students benefiting from the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme in partner countries abroad.
According to The Punch, the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The statement revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for immediate payment to eligible scholars.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, adding that efforts were ongoing to clear the remaining balance.
According to him, the funds have already reflected in embassy accounts, with affected missions expected to begin disbursing payments to beneficiaries without delay.
He also advised students under the programme to monitor their bank accounts as the payments begin to reflect.
The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme provides financial support for Nigerian students studying in partner countries overseas.
Although the programme has since been discontinued, many beneficiaries had repeatedly raised concerns over delayed allowances, citing the financial hardship the situation created for students abroad.
The latest payment is expected to ease pressure on affected scholars who have struggled with living and academic expenses due to the delays.
Alausa stated that the move demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling obligations to Nigerian scholars while sustaining policies aimed at improving education, student welfare, and national human capital development.
