Govt sends payment mandates for BEA scholars abroad

The Federal Government, through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), has issued payment mandates to foreign embassies where Nigerian students under the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) scholarship program are studying.

This move comes after months of unpaid allowances, which left many scholars stranded in countries like Russia, Morocco, and Algeria.

Earlier reports revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education had reduced the allowances for these scholars due to economic challenges, prompting many students to resort to loans for survival.

The ministry promised to address the outstanding payments, and this latest action by the FSB is seen as a step towards fulfilling that promise.

According to a memo dated July 23, 2024, signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the payment adjustments were made in line with budgetary provisions for the 2024 academic year.

Leaders of the scholars’ association in Russia confirmed that embassies have received the payment mandates, but the actual disbursement of funds is pending the release by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Scholars remain hopeful as they await the final payment.