Nigerian scholars who study abroad have demanded that the government provides the delayed stipends because their studies have suffered from financial problems.
The scholars participate through the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) and distribute across multiple nations where they reside in Morocco, Hungary, Russia, Algeria, China, and Venezuela.
Members of the Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) have documented that their stipends have remained unpaid since September 2023.
The Federal Ministry of Education reduced scholarship funds by 56% in 2024 when it decreased payments from $500 to $220 because of financial limitations.
The scholars now face unprecedented financial hardship because of this reduction.
A significant number of students must leave their residences because their stipends represent their main source of money.
Many scholars have started taking loans to make ends meet due to their depleted stipends.
The scholars have submitted their plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as important government departments.
The scholars need the immediate payment of their delayed stipends for September to December 2023 as well as the full distribution of 2025 stipends to prevent extra hardship.
According to the scholars the request for funds is essential for survival rather than serving as a luxury benefit.
The protesters ask media organizations and civil rights advocates together with humanitarian people in Nigeria to advocate for them through public support.
The Federal Government officially recognized this issue while assuring that stipend payments are currently being processed.
Prof. Tahir Mamman from the Ministerial position confirmed to university students about the pending allowances.
Students receive an announcement from the Federal Scholarship Board which states their stipends may not reach them before mid-2025.
The board does not promise any compensation for previous year’s payments or complete benefits.
Nigeria’s scholarship programs depend on immediate stipend payment resolution to maintain their reputation.
Nigeria demonstrates its educational and diplomatic commitment through its initiative to protect the welfare of international scholars.
The solution to these concerns will help students concentrate on their studies without monetary complications and demonstrate Nigeria’s dedication to academic student support.
The Nigerian scholars studying abroad urgently need government intervention to resolve their non-paid stipends problem.
The government needs to take urgent action to help Nigerian scholars overcome their financial problems since their academic progression depends on it.
