The Federal Government has officially discontinued the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s education policy toward strengthening local tertiary institutions.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, in a statement released on Wednesday, May 7, by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Dr. Alausa stated that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the BEA scheme and was driven by the need to prioritize student welfare, optimize public funds, and support academic growth within the country.
“Every course that Nigerians have been going abroad to study through the BEA is now available—and in many cases, better developed—within our own universities and polytechnics,” he said. “It is no longer justifiable to continue spending public resources on overseas education when quality alternatives exist at home.”
The minister explained that the costs of funding education abroad—covering airfare, stipends, tuition, and living allowances—could be more effectively redirected toward improving local institutions to benefit a greater number of students.
However, the government will still accept scholarship offers from foreign governments under bilateral or multilateral agreements—provided they are fully funded. These must include tuition, accommodation, travel, healthcare, and a minimum monthly allowance of $500, without any financial burden on the Nigerian government.
Dr. Alausa assured that all current BEA scholarship recipients will continue receiving full support until they complete their studies. He emphasized that the discontinuation only applies to the BEA scheme and will not affect other scholarship and bursary programs such as:
The Nigerian Scholarship Awards for public university and polytechnic students
The Federal Government Bursary for Education students
The Presidential Scholarship for NYSC Ex-Corps Members
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which offers interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education locally.
“This is not the end, but a new beginning,” Dr. Alausa affirmed. “Our focus now is on building a stronger, self-reliant education system that leaves no Nigerian behind.”
Source: X | @DrTunjiAlausa
