By Gideon Maxwell
May 7, 2025
The Federal Government has announced the complete discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme in a bold move to refocus Nigeria’s educational direction.
Speaking in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, stated: “Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics.
“It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”
The reform-minded minister explained that this decision followed a comprehensive policy review and reflects a strategic shift to consolidate national investment in domestic tertiary institutions. Emphasising the rationale, he said:
“The costs involved in sponsoring students abroad including airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances are better redirected into strengthening local institutions where more Nigerians can benefit.”
Dr. Alausa described the step as a compassionate and equitable way to manage Nigeria’s limited public funds. However, he clarified that the Federal Government is still open to accepting fully funded foreign scholarship offers.
“The Federal Government remains open to foreign governments offering fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students under bilateral or multilateral arrangements.
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“These offers must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government,” he stated.
The Minister further gave assurances to current BEA beneficiaries: “We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.
“All current beneficiaries of the BEA Programme will continue to enjoy full government support until the completion of their studies.”
Dr. Alausa also confirmed that this policy change will not affect other domestic scholarship programmes, which remain in place. These include:
• The Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics
• The Federal Government Bursary for Education students
• The Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members
Also, in a statement released by Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to internal capacity development by expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which “provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education within the country.”
Closing his remarks, the Honourable Minister underlined the government’s enduring commitment to educational equity, access, and sustainability.
“This is not an end, but a new beginning. Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind,” he said.
