FG PULLS PLUG ON BEA SCHOLARSHIPS

The Federal Government has announced the discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), characterizing the initiative as an inefficient allocation of national resources.

This development follows expressions of concern from past beneficiaries of the scheme, who have cited instances of governmental oversight.

Established through robust diplomatic relations and mutual cooperation, the BEA Programme facilitated opportunities for Nigerian students to pursue studies in partner nations, including China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia.

While the government recently affirmed the full disbursement of supplementary allowances to Nigerian scholars up to December 2024 and appealed for patience regarding outstanding entitlements affected by exchange rate fluctuations, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, revealed the administration's decision to terminate the program.

Minister Alausa conveyed his dissatisfaction with what he termed the "blackmailing" conduct of certain scholars under the scheme on social media platforms. During a courtesy visit from newly elected officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), he stated that the allocated funds would be redirected towards domestic scholarship initiatives, thereby extending benefits to a larger cohort of students nationwide.

Illustrating his rationale, the Minister cited the instance of a proposed N650 million expenditure for 60 students traveling to Morocco under the BEA in 2024, an allocation he declined as inequitable to the broader Nigerian student population. He further highlighted instances of students pursuing courses abroad, such as English, Psychology, and Sociology in French-speaking Algeria, which are readily and effectively taught within Nigeria.

The Minister clarified that all pending scholarship payments up to 2024 would be honored, with the 2025 disbursements awaiting budgetary appropriation and expected in the coming months. However, he firmly stated that the BEA program would not be extended beyond the 2025 academic year.

Mr. Alausa also critiqued the absence of rigorous academic monitoring within the BEA framework, noting that the government covered annual travel expenses for scholars without a corresponding system for tracking their academic performance.

He underscored the significant financial outlay, citing a projected expenditure of N9 billion for a mere 1,200 students in 2025 alone. He argued that this substantial investment in overseas education for locally available courses was unjust, particularly when juxtaposed with the lack of support for millions of students within Nigeria.

The Minister affirmed that a comprehensive evaluation of the courses pursued by the 1,200 students abroad confirmed their availability within Nigerian universities. Consequently, he reiterated the cancellation of the BEA, deeming it an inefficient use of public funds that would be better allocated to bolster domestic scholarships and support a greater number of Nigerian students.

Mr. Alausa provided assurance that current beneficiaries of the BEA program would be permitted to complete their ongoing studies. However, he clarified that no new admissions would be accepted under this arrangement from the 2025 academic year onwards.

Earlier in the proceedings, the newly elected President of NANS, Olushola Oladoja, commended the Minister for the notable progress achieved within the education sector since his assumption of office.

Analysis of the Government's Decision

The Federal Government's decision to terminate the Bilateral Education Agreement reflects a strategic re-evaluation of resource allocation in the higher education sector. The rationale presented centers on the principles of equity and maximizing the impact of public funds. By redirecting significant expenditure from a relatively small number of overseas scholarships to domestic programs, the government aims to broaden access to financial support for a larger segment of the Nigerian student population.

However, this decision also carries potential implications. The BEA program, beyond its financial aspect, fostered international academic and cultural exchange, potentially exposing Nigerian students to diverse perspectives and enriching their educational experiences. The cancellation may limit such opportunities for future generations.

Furthermore, the concerns raised by past beneficiaries regarding governmental oversight warrant attention. Effective management and consistent support are crucial for the success of any scholarship program, whether domestic or international. Addressing these systemic issues will be vital to ensure the efficacy of the newly prioritized local scholarship initiatives.

The government's emphasis on courses available within Nigeria raises a pertinent point about the relevance and quality of local educational offerings. While expanding domestic scholarship opportunities is commendable, concurrent efforts to enhance the standards and prestige of Nigerian universities will be essential to ensure that local education provides a truly competitive alternative to overseas study.

Posted on: Fri May 02 2025 Back to posts