In a major development in Nigeria’s education sector, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has received a key report on the resettlement of BEA scholars. The report follows the government’s recent cancellation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programme, a move that left many Nigerian students studying abroad in need of reintegration into local universities.
To manage this process, Dr Alausa had on April 30 inaugurated a special committee led by Prof David Adetunji Akinwale. The committee includes members from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Universities Commission (NUC), and key academics from six top federal universities.
These universities include:
- University of Ilorin, represented by Prof Ajao Salihu Moyosere
- University of Calabar, represented by Prof Akpantan Amabe Otoabasi
- University of Ibadan, represented by Prof Alada Abdulrazak Akinola
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, represented by Prof Adamu Shehu Usman
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, represented by Prof Anyanwu Emeka Godson
- Usmanu Danfodiyo University, represented by Prof Galadima Ibrahim
After two weeks of assessment and consultations, the committee submitted its final report on Friday, May 16. Prof Akinwale, speaking during the presentation, stated, “Yes, we have reached out to most of the federal universities. The universities are more than ready to receive the students but the problem we have is that concerning the medical students.”
He further explained that while many faculties had available slots, the medical programmes lacked enough space. To solve this, the committee proposed that JAMB conduct a special test for the returning students. “The best students we put them in the limited slots, while the others we transfer them to the departments of Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Biochemistry,” Prof Akinwale said.
Responding to this suggestion, JAMB Registrar, Mr Ishaq Adewale, confirmed that the board has the infrastructure to conduct such tests. However, he noted that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria will need to be involved for proper coordination.
The final list of Nigerian universities selected to absorb the returning BEA scholars includes:
- North East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, University of Maiduguri
- North Central: University of Abuja, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University
- North West: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Federal University Dutse
- South East: Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Federal University of Technology Owerri
The Minister of Education thanked the committee for a “job well done” and announced that each returning student will receive a ₦25,000 monthly stipend. This move, he said, aligns with the President’s renewed hope agenda for education.
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The Minister also advised parents against aiding their children in exam malpractice, warning that examination bodies will no longer tolerate such offences.