FG Cuts Allowances for Stranded Nigerian Scholars Abroad Amid Economic Crisis
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a reduction in allowances for Nigerian scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, and other countries, citing economic challenges as the reason behind the decision. The ministry assured the Scholars’ Association that the outstanding balances for the years 2023 and 2024 would be settled once funds are made available.
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The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a reduction in allowances for Nigerian scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, and other countries, citing economic challenges as the reason behind the decision. The slash amounts to 12.7% of the scholars' previous allowances.
This development comes amidst ongoing grievances from Nigerian students studying abroad under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship.
My Schoolnews had ealier reported the outcry of these Scholarship students over unpaid stipends spanning eight months.
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The BEA scholarship program facilitates educational exchanges between Nigeria and partner countries, overseen by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education. The recent decision to cut scholars' allowances was conveyed in a memorandum signed by Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The memo, dated July 23, 2024, addressed to the scholars’ association, outlined the adjustments made due to budgetary constraints for the 2024 academic year. "After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholars’ supplementation allowances," the memo stated.
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According to the directive, monthly allowances have been reduced from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2,500 to $2,000, and PG research allowances from $1,000 to $500, among other adjustments. Previously, scholars received $5,650 annually per student, which will now be reduced to $4,370.
"The Scholars’ Association is hereby notified that due to the prevailing economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment,"
The ministry assured the Scholars’ Association that the outstanding balances for the years 2023 and 2024 would be settled once funds are made available.
