The Federal Government has officially brought an end to the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, a scheme that has long sent Nigerian students abroad for university education. This development follows a thorough policy reassessment by the Ministry of Education, which concluded that redirecting funds to improve domestic institutions would produce greater national benefit.

This major policy shift, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, was confirmed during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday. It reflects the broader efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to use Nigeria’s limited financial resources more strategically and equitably.

Overseas Education No Longer a Justifiable Expense

Dr. Alausa explained that many of the academic programmes Nigerian students have traditionally pursued through the BEA initiative are now offered across Nigerian universities and polytechnics. In several cases, he said, the local offerings even surpass the quality of their foreign counterparts.

“With the availability and growing quality of academic programmes in our institutions, it is no longer logical to spend public money on training students abroad,” the Minister stated. “We must focus on building up what we already have.”

Government Cites Need for Fiscal Prudence

A statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, further clarified the rationale behind the decision. According to the Ministry, the funds previously used to support overseas education—including tuition, living stipends, airfares, and medical coverage—will now be redirected toward improving Nigeria’s education infrastructure.

These reallocated funds, the statement said, would be used to enhance learning facilities, support academic research, improve teaching quality, and expand access to higher education within the country.

“This is a step towards greater transparency and equity in the management of our national education budget,” Mrs. Folasade noted.

Foreign Scholarships Still Welcome—But Fully Sponsored

Although the BEA Programme has been scrapped, the Education Minister made it clear that Nigeria will continue to embrace international scholarships—provided they are fully funded by the offering country or institution. These scholarships must cover all student-related costs, including tuition, housing, transportation, healthcare, and a minimum monthly upkeep of $500.

Alausa emphasized that no part of these offers must place any financial burden on the Nigerian government.

“We are not rejecting international education opportunities,” he said. “We’re simply ensuring that Nigerian taxpayers no longer foot the bill for foreign degrees when our institutions are fully capable.”

Ongoing Support for Current BEA Beneficiaries

To address concerns of students currently studying abroad under the BEA programme, the Minister reassured that those already enrolled will continue to receive full government support until the completion of their courses.

“All existing obligations will be honoured. Students currently under the BEA scheme will not be affected by this policy change,” Dr. Alausa confirmed.

Other Federal Scholarship Programmes Unaffected

The Minister further clarified that the end of the BEA initiative does not impact other scholarship or bursary programmes operated by the federal government. These include:

• The Nigerian Scholarship Awards, available to qualified students enrolled in public universities and polytechnics across the country;

• The Federal Government Bursary Scheme, designed specifically to support students studying education-related courses;

• The Presidential Scholarship Scheme for NYSC Ex-Corps Members, which recognizes and rewards top-performing graduates after their national service.

Dr. Alausa also emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, which provides interest-free loans to undergraduate students attending local institutions. This initiative, he said, will be expanded to accommodate a larger number of students in the coming years.

New Focus: Strengthening Education at Home

The discontinuation of the BEA Programme reflects a broader strategic realignment of Nigeria’s education priorities. According to Dr. Alausa, the government’s goal is to invest in sustainable development and build a resilient education system that provides equal access for all Nigerian students, regardless of their location or financial background.

“This is not a setback, but a transition to a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach,” he noted. “Our mission now is to create a robust education framework that benefits every Nigerian.”

The Minister stressed that the government’s objective is not to limit global exposure for students, but to create world-class institutions within Nigeria that will draw talent, reduce brain drain, and improve national productivity.

A Long-Term Investment in National Growth

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made it clear that this policy overhaul is part of a larger agenda to strengthen public service delivery across sectors. With education identified as a cornerstone of national progress, the redirection of funds from international scholarships to local development is seen as a long-term investment in the country’s future.

The government aims to upgrade academic facilities, raise teaching standards, and introduce policies that improve learning outcomes for all students. Officials believe that investing in domestic universities and polytechnics will not only expand access but also improve the quality of graduates entering the job market.

In conclusion, Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s resolve to build a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable education system:
“We are setting the foundation for an education sector that empowers, includes, and uplifts. This marks a new era where every kobo is accounted for, and every student has the opportunity to thrive within Nigeria.”