The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that Nigerian scholarship students in Morocco have been abandoned, affirming that all valid beneficiaries remain under government support.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the circulating claims as “false, unfounded, and deliberately crafted to mislead the public.”

Through the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Boriowo Folasade, he stressed: “No Nigerian student on a valid Federal Government scholarship has been abandoned.”

Dr Alausa explained that all students enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme before 2024 have received funding up to the 2024 budget year, in line with the Federal Government’s obligations.

He noted that any delays in payments are due to fiscal constraints but assured that the matter is being addressed through ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance.

The minister also debunked claims of new bilateral scholarship awards being granted in October 2025 or later, calling the supporting documents “fake and unauthenticated.”

According to Dr Alausa, the government’s decision to discontinue certain overseas scholarships follows a comprehensive policy review, which concluded that Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now have sufficient capacity to offer these programs locally.

Only scholarships fully funded by foreign governments will continue, with all financial obligations handled by the host countries.

Despite this policy change, students already enrolled under previous arrangements will continue to receive full support until the completion of their programs.

Those who wish to return home may do so without difficulty.

The government will facilitate their reintegration into Nigerian institutions and cover return travel expenses.

Dr Alausa emphasized that the reforms aim to eliminate inefficiencies and abuses in the scholarship system.

He explained that sponsoring overseas training for programs already available in Nigeria had previously imposed unnecessary financial burdens on the nation.

“Our reforms are designed to promote transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and cautioned against misinformation or attempts to discredit policies that strengthen national capacity and protect the integrity of the education sector.