Nigerian Scholarship Students Abroad Lament Allowance Cuts After Months of Delays
Students benefiting from the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) abroad have expressed deep dissatisfaction following a sudden reduction in their allowances by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB). Furthermore, the student disclosed that some scholars had turned to loan sharks for financial support, given the uncertain repayment terms and lack of collateral available to students in their position.
c.Blessing 
Students benefiting from the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) abroad have expressed deep dissatisfaction following a sudden reduction in their allowances by the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB).
The scholars, who have endured over 13 months without receiving stipends, voiced their concerns over the financial hardships they now face in foreign countries.
RECOMMENDED: FG Cuts Allowances for Stranded Nigerian Scholars Abroad Amid Economic Crisis
The BEA scholarship program aims to foster educational exchange between Nigeria and partner countries, facilitating opportunities for Nigerian students to study abroad. However, the recent decision by the Federal Ministry of Education to slash allowances by 12.7% has increased challenges for these scholars, particularly those stranded in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, and other nations.
In a memo dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, explained the rationale behind the decision, citing economic crises and budgetary constraints. "After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholar’s supplementation allowances for the 2024 academic year," the memo stated.
SEE ALSO: ABU Zaria Achitecture Student Creates Stunning Artwork of Ahmadu Bello
Reacting to the news, Ronald Donald, one of the affected scholars, expressed disappointment: “Firstly, students have stayed 13 months without stipends, just promises upon promises. Now, the only thing the FSB could come up with is to reduce the stipends." Donald provided insight into the dire living conditions faced by students in Russia and Morocco, where the cost of living has risen significantly.
"In Russia, a student needs a minimum of $300 to survive. The bus fares are expensive, and the hostel prices are up," Donald explained. "In Morocco, students don’t have hostels provided; they rent apartments starting at $200 a month."
READ MORE: Adeleke University Law Student Graduates with First Class Honors and Emerges Best Graduating Student with 4.94 CGPA
Another student, speaking anonymously, highlighted the extreme measures some scholars have resorted to in order to survive. "We were supposed to receive $500 per month, but we haven’t been paid since June 2023," the student disclosed. "This situation has forced some of us into exploitative illegal labor, such as washing dishes and construction work. I personally worked in a soap warehouse and a restaurant for long hours with reduced pay."
The student also revealed the challenges faced in repaying loans taken out due to the prolonged delay in allowances. "A few months ago, our parents were encouraged by the FG to take loans due to the exchange rate and rising living costs in our host countries," they explained. "Now, with the sudden allowance cut, how are we supposed to repay these loans or even survive?"
Furthermore, the student disclosed that some scholars had turned to loan sharks for financial support, given the uncertain repayment terms and lack of collateral available to students in their position.
