The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a five-year suspension of the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme, a move aimed at promoting the growth and well-being of students through local academic institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, revealed this decision following an in-depth assessment of courses offered abroad under the scholarship scheme. According to the minister, all previously sponsored academic programmes are now fully available—and in many cases, better resourced—within Nigerian universities and colleges.
“We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad,” he said. “Every single course is now available here at home,” he said.
Providing further clarity in a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Boriowo Folashade, Dr Alausa stressed that while the moratorium supports domestic education, it does not restrict families from privately sponsoring their children to study overseas.
“We must remain equitable to every citizen. We are currently spending more to send students abroad covering tickets, stipends, and other expenses for an education they can now access better here.”
Nonetheless, the government has indicated its openness to international education partnerships, provided they come at no cost to Nigeria. Dr Alausa noted that Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) partners offering scholarships to Nigerian students will still be welcomed, on the condition that host countries cover the full costs—tuition, accommodation, transport, healthcare, living expenses, and a monthly stipend of no less than $500.
He also reassured the public that other essential scholarship initiatives will continue unaffected. These include the Nigerian Scholarship for students enrolled in public universities and polytechnics, the Education Bursary Awards for Education degree students, and the Presidential NYSC Ex-Corps Scholarship.
Dr Alausa further emphasised the government’s commitment to the recently enhanced Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which now provides more comprehensive financial assistance to students pursuing higher education within the country.
He reiterated that all current recipients of the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme will remain fully supported by the government until they complete their studies abroad and return home.
“We stand by the promises made to our students abroad,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Alausa affirmed the government’s renewed dedication to reinforcing local scholarship schemes and broadening access to education, ensuring that every Nigerian student has the opportunity to realise their academic aspirations without unnecessary delays or barriers.