The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially stopped the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme. This change means the country now wants to focus more on improving education within Nigeria instead of sending students abroad.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a press conference in Abuja. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, this is part of a bigger plan to strengthen Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
Dr. Alausa said the government made this decision after a full review of its education policies. He explained that the move will help Nigeria manage its money better and grow a stronger education system at home.
He pointed out that many of the courses Nigerian students go abroad to study are already available in local schools—and often with even better quality. Because of this, using public money for education abroad no longer makes sense.
The government plans to use the money previously spent on BEA scholarships—such as flight tickets, tuition, living expenses, and monthly stipends—to improve facilities and teaching in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. This way, more students can benefit.
However, Dr. Alausa made it clear that Nigeria will still accept fully funded foreign scholarships from other governments. But these scholarships must cover all the costs of the student, including tuition, accommodation, transport, healthcare, and at least $500 in monthly support—without any cost to the Nigerian government.
For students who are already receiving BEA scholarships, Dr. Alausa promised that they will continue to get full support until they finish their studies abroad. “We will honour all existing commitments,” he said.
This change will not affect other local scholarship programmes. These include:
- Nigerian Scholarship Awards (for students in public universities and polytechnics),
- Federal Government Bursary (for education students), and
- Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members.
The Minister also spoke about expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which gives interest-free loans to students studying in Nigerian institutions.
Dr. Alausa summed it up by saying, “This is not an end, but a new beginning.” The government’s new focus is to build a stronger, more independent education system that includes every Nigerian student.
Ending the BEA scholarship is a major step in Nigeria’s education journey. It puts local institutions at the center of national growth and shows a stronger commitment to home-based learning and innovation.
