By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Federal Government has announced a five-year suspension of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programmed.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a statement on Saturday, said the move aims to promote student growth, prioritise welfare, and strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
He said the suspension will encourage Nigerians to study locally, adding that this does not prevent parents from sponsoring their children to study overseas privately.
In the statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister was said to have disclosed this after a comprehensive review of academic programmes available overseas.
Mr Alausa was quoted as saying: “We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad. Every single one is now offered here at home. 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 the education they can now access at home, often at better quality.”
He however assured that the federal government will still welcome BEA partner countries that offer fully funded scholarships to Nigerians, saying: “Such scholarships must cover tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, healthcare, and a monthly stipend of no less than $500, at no cost to the Nigerian government.”
We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad. Every single one is now offered here at home. We must be fair and equitable to every citizen.
Mr Alausa further explained that the moratorium will not affect other government-funded scholarship schemes, including the Nigerian Scholarship Award for Public Universities and Polytechnic Students; the Education Bursary Award for undergraduates studying education; and the Presidential Scholarship for ex-NYSC corps members.
He also highlighted the improved Nigerian student loan programme, saying it now provides more robust financial support to students enrolled in local higher institutions.
Despite the suspension, the Minister reassured that all current BEA scholarship beneficiaries will continue to receive full government support until they complete their studies and return to Nigeria.
“We stand by the promises made to our students abroad,” he said, while reiterating the federal government’s commitment to expanding local scholarship opportunities and supporting the educational aspirations of all Nigerians and ensuring that no dream is delayed or denied.
