Federal Government Refutes Claims of Abandoning Scholarship Students in Morocco
Federal Government Refutes Claims of Abandoning Scholarship Students in Morocco
UmarFarouk123 
The Federal Ministry of Education has officially debunked reports claiming that Nigerian students studying in Morocco under government scholarship schemes have been neglected.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, clarified today, January 12, 2026, that no student on a valid Federal Government scholarship has been abandoned. He confirmed that all beneficiaries under the Bilateral Education Scholarship (BES) Programme enrolled prior to 2024 have been paid up to the 2024 budget year.
The Minister acknowledged that while some payment delays have occurred due to fiscal constraints, the Ministry is actively working with the Ministry of Finance to resolve outstanding balances.
Dr. Alausa also addressed recent rumors regarding new awards, stating categorically that no new bilateral scholarship awards have been issued since October 2025. He labeled documents circulating on social media that suggest otherwise as "fake and misleading."
In a significant policy update, the Minister announced that the Federal Government has discontinued new government-funded bilateral scholarships abroad. This decision follows a comprehensive review indicating that Nigeria now possesses the adequate institutional capacity to offer these academic programs locally.
Continued Support: All students currently enrolled abroad will receive full financial support until the completion of their studies.
Voluntary Reintegration: Students who wish to cut their studies short and return to Nigeria may apply to the Director, Department of Scholarship Awards.
Repatriation Costs: The Federal Government has committed to covering return travel costs and ensuring these students are reintegrated into Nigerian universities.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to student welfare while emphasizing ongoing reforms aimed at transparency and the responsible use of public funds.
