The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances owed to Nigerian students under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has already remitted the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions abroad to enable immediate payment to eligible scholars.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said the released funds represent 50 percent of the total outstanding obligations for 2025, adding that work is ongoing to settle the remaining balance.
He explained that the funds have already reached embassy accounts, and affected missions are expected to begin disbursement without delay. Scholars were advised to monitor their accounts as payments begin to reflect.
The BEA scholarship programme enables Nigerian students to study in partner countries with financial support from the Federal Government. Although the scheme has been discontinued for new applicants, existing beneficiaries continue to receive entitlements under the arrangement.
In recent months, some scholars had expressed concern over delays in payment of allowances, which affected their cost of living and academic activities abroad.
The latest release, according to the ministry, is intended to ease financial pressure on beneficiaries and ensure continuity of their studies.
Dr. Alausa said the development reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to student welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly for Nigerians studying abroad.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to meeting legitimate obligations to scholars and strengthening policies that support education, human capital development, and international academic cooperation.
