Federal Government commences disbursement of pending Bilateral Education Agreement awards

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…moves to clear students’ allowances abroad

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By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

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The Federal Government has commenced the payment of outstanding allowances owed Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement,BEA Scholarship Programme, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and academic success of scholars overseas.

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The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement issued on Tuesday, disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had successfully transferred approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for immediate disbursement to eligible beneficiaries.

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According to the ministry,in the statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the payment covers 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, with arrangements already underway for the release of the balance.

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Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the funds had reached the various embassy accounts and directed affected missions to begin immediate payment to beneficiaries.

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He urged Nigerian scholars under the now-terminated BEA Scholarship Programme to monitor their accounts, noting that payments were expected to begin reflecting without delay.

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Alausa said the move underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare, academic advancement and wellbeing of Nigerian students abroad in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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“The Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that no Nigerian student pursuing academic excellence under government scholarship schemes is left unsupported,” the minister stated.

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He commended the patience and resilience shown by affected students despite the delay in payment, assuring them that the government remained committed to fulfilling all legitimate obligations owed scholars.

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The ministry further reiterated its resolve to sustain policies and interventions aimed at promoting access to quality education, strengthening student welfare and advancing national development through strategic human capital investment.

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The statement also assured stakeholders of the government’s continued support for Nigerian students globally and the effective implementation of scholarship programmes.

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