FG Discontinues Bilateral Scholarships to Strengthen Local Education

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The era of Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarships between Nigeria and other foreign countries have finally come to an end. Nigeria's education minister, who made this announcement said the reason is to strengthen local education. 

Dr. Maruf Olutunji Alausa made this known during a press briefing. Here's the detailed breakdown of the press briefing:

Source: x.com/DrTunjiAlausa

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PRESS RELEASE

7th May 2025

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DISCONTINUES BILATERAL SCHOLARSHIPS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL EDUCATION

In a decisive move to realign Nigeria’s educational priorities, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olutunji Alausa, has announced the complete discontinuation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.

Addressing the public in Abuja, Dr. Alausa explained that the decision follows a thorough policy review and is aimed at consolidating national investment in domestic tertiary institutions. “Every course Nigerians travel abroad to study through the BEA is now available and often of higher quality within our own universities and polytechnics,” the Minister stated. “It is no longer justifiable to fund overseas studies with public resources when local alternatives exist.”

 Also See: PTDF Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme

Dr. Alausa stressed that this discontinuation reflects a compassionate and equitable strategy to manage limited public funds responsibly. “The costs involved in sponsoring students abroad including airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances are better redirected into strengthening local institutions where more Nigerians can benefit,” he noted.

However, the Minister clarified that the Federal Government remains open to foreign governments offering fully funded scholarships to Nigerian students under bilateral or multilateral arrangements. These offers must cover tuition, accommodation, transportation, living expenses, healthcare, and provide a monthly allowance of no less than $500, without any financial obligation on the part of the Nigerian Government.

The Honourable Minister also assured that all current beneficiaries of the BEA Programme will continue to enjoy full government support until the completion of their studies. “We will honour all existing commitments,” he affirmed.

Dr. Alausa further noted that the discontinuation of the BEA Programme will not affect other domestic scholarship initiatives, such as:

The Nigerian Scholarship Awards for students in public universities and polytechnics

The Federal Government Bursary for Education students

The Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members. 

Recommended: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship for Masters Programmes

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education within the country.

The Honourable Minister concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to equity, access, and sustainability in education, saying: “This is not an end, but a new beginning. Our focus is now on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind.”

Boriowo Folasade (Mrs.)

Director, Press & PR