The Federal Government has officially ended the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s education strategy to prioritize and invest in local higher institutions.
According to a statement by Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, the announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Dr. Alausa explained that the decision followed a thorough review of the country’s educational priorities and aligns with the government’s goal to optimize public expenditure while enhancing self-reliance in the sector.
He noted that all courses previously studied abroad under the BEA are now available and in many cases, of superior quality within Nigeria’s universities and polytechnics. “It’s no longer justifiable to use public funds for foreign education when comparable local options exist,” he said.
The Minister stated that funds formerly used to support foreign education covering airfare, tuition, stipends, and living costs will now be redirected to improve domestic institutions, ultimately benefiting a greater number of Nigerian students.
While the BEA programme is discontinued, the government remains open to fully funded foreign scholarships offered through bilateral or multilateral arrangements. These must comprehensively cover the student’s needs including tuition, accommodation, travel, healthcare, and a monthly stipend of at least \$500 without any financial burden on the Nigerian government.
Dr. Alausa assured that current BEA scholarship recipients will not be affected and will continue to receive full government support until they complete their studies. “We will honour all existing commitments,” he confirmed.
He also emphasized that this change will not impact ongoing local scholarship schemes such as the Nigerian Scholarship Awards, the Federal Government Bursary for Education students, and the Presidential Scholarship for NYSC alumni. Additionally, the government will continue expanding the interest-free Nigerian Student Loan Programme for students enrolled in domestic institutions.
“This isn’t the end it’s the start of a new chapter,” Dr. Alausa concluded. “We are now focused on building a stronger, more self-sustaining education system that ensures no Nigerian is left behind.”
Ending the BEA programme signifies a major policy shift, highlighting the government’s intent to make local educational institutions the cornerstone of national progress and innovation.