The Federal Government has announced the termination of its long-standing Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, which has sponsored Nigerian students for university education abroad.
The decision, authorities say, is driven by economic realities and a renewed focus on strengthening the nation’s own higher education system.
Minister of Education, Prof. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, confirmed the policy shift in a statement, noting that the country’s current economic situation and limited public funds no longer justify sponsoring students overseas.
“Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,” Alausa said. “It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”
The minister emphasized that existing scholarship beneficiaries will continue to receive support until the completion of their studies. However, no new students will be sent abroad under the scheme.
The announcement comes amid the fallout from major economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu since assuming office in May 2023. His administration scrapped fuel subsidies and deregulated the foreign exchange market in an attempt to stabilize Nigeria’s finances.
These moves, while hailed by international institutions like the IMF, have contributed to a steep rise in inflation, worsening living conditions for many Nigerians.
In its most recent review, the IMF praised the reform efforts but acknowledged that “gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high.”
As the government shifts its focus inward, Alausa said the funds previously allocated for foreign scholarships would now be redirected to improve infrastructure, staffing, and research in Nigerian universities.
