BEA scholarship payments have begun as the Federal Government releases funds to Nigerian embassies for students abroad

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries abroad.

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The development was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions for immediate payment to eligible students.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the released funds covered 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025 under the programme.

Alausa stated that efforts were ongoing to ensure the payment of the remaining balance owed to beneficiaries.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully remitted the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for immediate disbursement to eligible scholars,” the statement read.

The minister explained that the funds had already reached embassy accounts, adding that the affected missions were expected to begin payments without delay.

He urged beneficiaries to monitor their bank accounts as the BEA scholarship payments begin to reflect.

The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme supports Nigerian students studying in partner countries through financial assistance provided by the Federal Government.

Although the programme has since been discontinued, many beneficiaries had repeatedly complained about delays in the payment of allowances, citing mounting financial hardship and difficulties meeting living expenses abroad.

The latest disbursement is expected to bring relief to affected students who had raised concerns over unpaid allowances in recent months.

Alausa said the release of the funds reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to meeting obligations owed to Nigerian scholars while sustaining policies aimed at promoting quality education, student welfare and national human capital development.