The Federal Government has begun the disbursement of approved outstanding 2025 allowances to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries abroad.
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The development was disclosed in a statement shared by the Federal Ministry of Education on its official X account on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has already transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate payment to eligible Nigerian scholars.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully remitted the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for immediate disbursement to eligible scholars,” the statement said.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025. He added that efforts are ongoing to ensure the remaining balance is paid to beneficiaries.
Alausa explained that the funds have already reached embassy accounts, with affected missions expected to begin payment processes immediately.
He advised students under the BEA Scholarship Programme to monitor their bank accounts as payments are expected to start reflecting.
The BEA Scholarship Programme was created to support Nigerian students studying in partner countries through bilateral education agreements between Nigeria and foreign governments.
Although the programme has since been discontinued for new applicants, existing beneficiaries have repeatedly raised concerns over delayed allowance payments and the financial difficulties many scholars faced abroad.
The latest release of funds is expected to ease pressure on affected students who depend on the allowances for accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other living expenses while studying outside Nigeria.
Alausa said the disbursement reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to supporting Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting legitimate obligations owed to Nigerian scholars and sustaining policies that promote quality education, student welfare, and national human capital development.
The ministry did not state when the outstanding balance of the 2025 obligations would be fully paid, but confirmed that arrangements are ongoing to complete the process.
