In a move that has sparked mixed feelings across the country, the Federal Government has officially cancelled the BEA scholarship programme.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, who described the programme as wasteful, poorly managed, and unfair to the larger Nigerian student population.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The BEA scholarship programme, once seen as a golden ticket for Nigerian students to study abroad, had reportedly been plagued with issues ranging from lack of oversight to uneven allocation of public funds.
Dr. Alausa pointed out that the government could no longer continue with the programme in its current form.
According to him, “2024, when I assumed office, I was asked to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme.
I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students.”
He stressed that many students were being sent abroad to study courses already offered in Nigerian universities often at a higher quality.
“I reviewed the courses some students went to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology courses we teach better in Nigeria,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Alausa criticized the lack of follow-up on students’ academic progress.
He said, “In 2025 alone, the government planned to spend N9 billion on just 1,200 students.
It’s unjust to spend such a huge amount sending students abroad to study courses available locally, while millions of Nigerian students get no support.”
The BEA scholarship programme was originally designed through partnerships with countries like China, Russia, Algeria, and Egypt to provide Nigerian students with international learning opportunities.
However, complaints from scholars about being abandoned abroad led to public concern and forced a review.
The Minister confirmed that all pending stipends for BEA scholars had been cleared up to December 2024.
In addition, extra funding has been requested to cushion the effects of exchange rate differences.
However, starting in 2025, no new students will be accepted under the programme.
He further added, “We are cancelling the BEA. It is not the best use of public funds.
That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students.”
NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, praised the decision.
He said the reforms reflect a commitment to responsible governance and fairness.
“We commend the Minister’s bold move,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alausa also expressed disappointment over some BEA beneficiaries who criticized the government on social media.
“Some students are blackmailing the government online instead of following proper channels,” he stated.
While this decision marks the end of an era for the BEA scholarship programme, it also signals a shift toward creating a more balanced and impactful education system within the country.
