In a controversial move, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has announced a drastic 12.7% reduction in allowances for Nigerian students on government scholarships abroad. These students, currently marooned in countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary, are already grappling with severe financial difficulties due to unpaid stipends spanning over eight months.
The cutbacks, communicated by the Federal Ministry of Education, are part of broader measures to address Nigeria’s ongoing economic crisis. The students affected are beneficiaries of the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, an initiative designed to promote educational exchange. This scholarship program is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Federal Scholarship Board.
The alarming reduction was detailed in a memo signed by Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman. The memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, outlined significant cuts: monthly allowances slashed from $500 to $220, graduation allowances from $2,500 to $2,000, and postgraduate research allowances from $1,000 to $500, among other reductions. Previously totaling $5,650 per student, these payments will now be reduced to $4,370.
“The Scholars’ Association is hereby informed that, due to the current economic circumstances, the payment structure for BEA scholars’ allowances will adhere to these new adjustments,” the memo stated.
The ministry has assured that outstanding balances for the years 2023 and 2024 will be settled as soon as funds are available. However, this assurance offers little solace to the students enduring extreme financial strain. Ayuba Anas, President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the scholarship, voiced deep concerns over the prolonged delays, highlighting that some scholars have not received any stipends since their arrival in China in April and May 2023.
As the Nigerian government grapples with economic challenges, the plight of these scholars underscores the broader implications of financial austerity measures on the nation’s future leaders and their academic pursuits.
PIONEER NEWS 