Nigerian Students in Russia Stranded Over Unpaid Allowances

Nigerian students studying in Russia have expressed distress over unpaid allowances, which has left them stranded without financial support. The Nigerian government, under a bilateral education agreement with Russia, is responsible for covering tuition fees and providing monthly stipends for living expenses.

However, payments have reportedly stopped, forcing students to take low-paying jobs to survive. Initially, beneficiaries received 500 monthly allowances, which have now been reduced to around 220 due to economic challenges in Nigeria.

This inconsistency in payments has raised serious concerns among parents and guardians, who fear their children may be forced to drop out. Stakeholders are urging the federal government to intervene urgently and release outstanding funds, criticizing the lack of a sustainable support system for students abroad.

Reports indicate that the bilateral education agreement may be discontinued for new applicants by April 2025, with provisions made in the 2026 budget for 300 new scholarships, while 1,600 existing students struggle with unpaid allowances.