On Tuesday, the Nigerian government announced the cancellation of its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, drawing both praise and criticism. The programme, which had allowed Nigerian students to study abroad in countries like China, Russia, and Hungary, will cease admitting new applicants starting in 2025. The Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Dr. Tunji Alausa, justified this decision by pointing to inefficiency, financial strain, and a lack of oversight.
Inefficiency and Unsustainable Spending
Dr. Alausa explained the government’s rationale during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership. He revealed that when he took office in 2024, he was asked to approve N650 million for only 60 students traveling to Morocco under the BEA programme. He refused, citing the unfairness of such spending when many students in Nigeria lack basic educational resources.
The minister pointed to major inefficiencies in the programme, particularly regarding the relevance of the courses Nigerian students pursued abroad. “Many students studied subjects like English, psychology, and sociology in countries where these disciplines are better taught in Nigerian universities,” Alausa noted. “Sending students to Algeria to study English, a French-speaking country, is illogical.”
A Drain on National Resources
The financial cost of the BEA programme became another significant concern for the government. In 2025, officials projected spending N9 billion to fund 1,200 students studying abroad. Meanwhile, millions of Nigerian students face overcrowded classrooms and lack necessary academic support. “We evaluated every course these students were taking abroad,” Alausa explained. “All of them are already available in Nigerian universities. This is an unsustainable drain on our public funds.”
Dr. Alausa also criticized the lack of accountability within the programme. Students were sent abroad with minimal oversight, and their academic progress went largely unmonitored. “There was no proper follow-up on their performance, and we didn’t assess the value these students were getting from their foreign education,” Alausa added.
Backlash From Affected Scholars
As expected, the cancellation has stirred dissatisfaction among BEA scholars currently studying abroad. Many students have expressed frustrations, particularly regarding delayed allowances and unmet financial commitments. Some have even reported being evicted from university hostels or denied access to essential services due to unpaid fees.
Though the government has pledged to support existing BEA beneficiaries until they complete their studies, the programme will no longer admit new students starting in 2025. Officials have assured that all financial obligations to current students will be honored, though uncertainties persist about future scholars hoping to take part in the programme.
Redirecting Funds to Local Scholarships
Despite the backlash, Dr. Alausa defended the decision, emphasizing that the government would now reallocate funds to support domestic students through local scholarships and academic development. He explained that redirecting resources to Nigeria’s own universities would allow the government to address pressing issues like poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and overcrowded classrooms.
“This programme is no longer the most effective way to use public funds. Instead, we will invest in local scholarships and focus on improving the quality of education in Nigeria,” Alausa stated.
A New Vision for Nigerian Education
The cancellation of the BEA programme reflects a broader shift in the government’s approach to education. Nigerian officials now recognize that strengthening local universities is crucial to building a sustainable and effective education system. By improving the quality of education at home, the government hopes to reduce the pressure on students to seek opportunities abroad.
Dr. Alausa and other officials are now focused on addressing key challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector. These include inadequate academic facilities, lack of access to resources, and a rising number of students opting for foreign education due to perceived shortcomings in local institutions.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Nigeria’s Universities
The challenge now is ensuring that the funds previously allocated to the BEA programme are effectively used to improve Nigeria’s educational landscape. By focusing on local institutions and providing adequate support to Nigerian students, the government aims to close the educational gap between Nigeria and other countries.
While the cancellation of the BEA programme has sparked concerns, it could ultimately lead to a more sustainable and equitable education system in Nigeria. If successful, the decision could mark a turning point, ensuring that Nigerian students receive quality education at home, without the need to look abroad for better opportunities.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Nigeria’s Education System
The decision to cancel the BEA scholarship programme signals a new direction for Nigeria’s education system, one focused on improving local universities and investing in students within the country. While the change may be difficult for current scholars abroad, it opens up the possibility of strengthening education infrastructure at home. By reallocating funds to support Nigerian students and enhance academic resources, the government hopes to create a more robust, equitable education system for future generations.
