Nigerian BEA Scholars Express Concern Over Unpaid Stipends

Nigerian students studying abroad under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship scheme have expressed concern that their outstanding stipends for 2024 and 2025 could become more difficult to settle after the September 30 budget cycle closure. The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars confirmed receiving only about 23% of their total 2025 stipends, despite repeated assurances of full payment. The union also noted that only 46% of the 2024 stipends have been paid, with scholars still owed four months from 2023 and a separate shortfall of over $1,000. No payments have been received for 2026. The scholars appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Education Minister, and the Federal Scholarship Board for urgent intervention to prevent further accumulation of arrears, highlighting the direct impact on their living and academic expenses in host countries.