The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially discontinued the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme. The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a policy briefing in Abuja, signaling a decisive shift towards prioritizing local institutions and optimizing the use of public education funds.
Dr. Alausa stated that many of the courses traditionally pursued by Nigerian students abroad through the BEA scheme are now readily available within Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics, and often delivered at a higher standard. He stressed that continuing to sponsor overseas education with public funds is no longer justifiable, especially when comparable or better academic options exist locally.
According to him, this decision is aimed at maximizing national investments in domestic education and empowering more Nigerian students through accessible, high-quality learning environments.
The Minister highlighted the massive financial outlay previously spent on foreign scholarships, including airfare, tuition, stipends, and accommodation. Redirecting these funds, he said, will enable the government to support more students, improve infrastructure, and strengthen educational institutions across the country. This new direction, he explained, is central to the government’s strategy of building a self-sufficient, globally competitive education system.
However, Dr. Alausa clarified that the Federal Government remains open to fully funded international scholarships—those that offer tuition, accommodation, healthcare, living expenses, and a minimum monthly stipend of $500, without imposing any financial responsibility on Nigeria. In such cases, eligible Nigerian students will still be encouraged to apply and benefit.
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Addressing concerns from parents and students currently benefiting from the BEA Programme, Dr. Alausa assured the public that all ongoing commitments would be fully honored. He reiterated that current BEA scholars will continue to receive funding until the completion of their academic programs.
Importantly, the discontinuation of the BEA Scholarship does not affect other key educational support initiatives. These include the Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public tertiary institutions, the Federal Government Bursary for education students, and the Presidential Scholarship Scheme for NYSC ex-corps members. Furthermore, the government is pushing ahead with the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which offers interest-free loans to qualified students pursuing higher education within the country.
Dr. Alausa concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to equity, access, and sustainability in education, noting that this policy shift marks the beginning of a more resilient and inclusive educational era for Nigeria. “We are not ending support for students; we are redefining how we support them. Our goal is to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the pursuit of quality education,” he declared, setting the tone for what could become a transformative chapter in the nation’s academic history.
