BEA Scholars Demand Full 2025 Stipends Amid Delays

Nigerian students studying abroad under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship scheme have raised concerns regarding their stipends for 2025, with only 23% of the total amount paid to date. The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars, represented by Public Relations Officer Umar Adamu, acknowledged partial payments but emphasized that the situation remains unresolved.

The union noted that the budget for 2025 covers only 46% of the required total, and despite assurances from the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the remaining funds have not been disbursed. The scholars also highlighted that they are owed stipends for four months in 2023 and that only 46% of the 2024 stipends have been paid.

They urged President Bola Tinubu and relevant stakeholders to intervene to prevent further accumulation of arrears, as no payments have been received for 2026. The BEA scholarship program is crucial for Nigerian students studying in partner countries, and delays in stipend payments could hinder their living and academic expenses.