Nigerian students pursuing studies in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and other nations under the Federal Government’s scholarship program have expressed dismay over the non-payment of their stipends for the past eight months.
These students are beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, which facilitates educational exchanges between Nigeria and partner countries.
Administered by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education, the BEA scholarship aims to foster international cooperation in education.
Ayuba Anas, President of the Union of Nigerian Students under the Federal Government-controlled Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship, revealed in a statement that scholars have endured financial strain due to the prolonged delay in receiving their stipends.
Anas highlighted the dire consequences of the delay, including evictions and illnesses due to hunger among students struggling to cover basic expenses like housing, utilities, transportation, and food.
In countries like Morocco, where adequate hostel provisions are lacking, stipends are crucial for students’ survival and academic focus.
Scholars in Russia are grappling with increased living costs compounded by the stipend delay, affecting their academic performance and mental well-being.
Despite being aware of economic challenges back home, students emphasized that the terms of their scholarship program preclude them from seeking employment to support themselves.
They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the prompt disbursement of their stipends, allowing them to concentrate on their studies without financial strain.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Federal Ministry of Education regarding the issue remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
The plight of Nigerian students abroad underscores the importance of timely and effective scholarship disbursement to support their educational pursuits and overall well-being.
