For thousands of young Nigerians studying abroad on government-sponsored scholarships, education was meant to be their ticket to a brighter future. The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship program promised not just access to world-class institutions but also the financial support necessary to survive in foreign countries. Now, that dream is turning into a nightmare. With months of unpaid stipends and a drastic 56% reduction in allowances, many Nigerian students abroad are facing unimaginable hardship.
The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has sounded the alarm, urging the federal government to urgently address these challenges before students are pushed into further distress. The scholars lament that delays and cuts in funding have left them stranded, hungry, and unable to afford basic necessities like rent and medical care. As financial pressures mount, frustration is growing, with students now openly pleading for intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly.
How the Stipend Crisis Escalated
The financial crisis facing BEA scholars has been building for years, with stipends often arriving late and in amounts that fail to keep pace with economic realities. But 2023 marked a turning point. Reports indicate that while students received payments covering January to August 2023, those funds were already short by over two months’ worth of stipends due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Since then, the situation has only worsened. Scholars have not received any payments for the September to December 2023 period, leaving them struggling to survive for over a year without financial support. When payments finally resumed in September 2024, students were shocked to learn that their stipends had been slashed from $500 to just $220—a cut of over half.
For many, this reduction is simply unlivable. Students who relied on these stipends to cover rent, food, and medical expenses have been forced into desperate situations. Reports indicate that some scholars in countries like Morocco, Russia, China, Algeria, Venezuela, and Hungary have been evicted from their homes, while others have gone days without food or access to medical care.
The Human Cost of Delayed Payments and Cuts
Beyond the numbers, the human impact of these policies is devastating. Many of the affected students come from low-income backgrounds, with parents who sacrificed everything to see their children excel. Some are orphans with no other source of support.
One statement from UNBEAS paints a grim picture of the reality these students are facing. “Some of us have gone without food for days. Some have fallen sick due to hunger but cannot afford hospital bills. In countries like Morocco, where there is no government-provided accommodation, students rely entirely on stipends to pay rent, and many have been evicted.”
Despite being some of Nigeria’s brightest minds, chosen through a competitive process to study abroad—these scholars now find themselves in a position of uncertainty and despair. With little to no financial support from home, many are left with no choice but to depend on the goodwill of friends and, in some cases, strangers just to survive.
What is Behind the Drastic Stipend Reduction?
The federal government has largely attributed the stipend cuts to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, arguing that adjustments had to be made to reflect economic realities. However, UNBEAS points out that this explanation does not justify the lack of adequate funding in the 2025 budget, which could see stipends drop even further.
Analysts argue that the stipend crisis is part of a broader issue—the government’s shrinking budget for education and international commitments. While Nigerian scholars abroad struggle to afford basic necessities, the country’s education funding has continued to see reduced allocations, despite promises to prioritize youth development.
Calls for Government Intervention
As the crisis deepens, UNBEAS is calling for immediate intervention from President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and relevant agencies to prevent further suffering. The scholars are making several urgent demands, including:
- Payment of all outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, along with the full shortfall from March to August 2023.
- Reversal of the 56% stipend cut and restoration of the original $500 allowance.
- Timely and consistent stipend disbursement in 2025 to prevent students from falling into deeper financial hardship.
The scholars stress that this is not a request for luxury but a plea for survival. They warn that without urgent action, many students will continue to suffer severe hardship, potentially forcing some to drop out or even return to Nigeria in financial ruin.
A Future at Risk
Nigeria’s BEA scholarship program was designed to produce highly skilled professionals who could return home to contribute to national development. However, the ongoing stipend crisis threatens to derail this vision. If left unresolved, the next generation of Nigerian doctors, engineers, scientists, and academics studying abroad may find themselves unable to complete their education.
The government must recognize that these scholars represent Nigeria’s future. Their success is not just a personal achievement but a national investment—one that must be protected. The urgent question remains: Will the government take action before it is too late?
Stay Updated on the Latest Education and Immigration News
Do not miss critical updates on education, scholarships, and international study opportunities. Stay ahead with real-time news on Nigeria and beyond. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for exclusive insights. Have a report or article? Send it to report@trendingnaijanews.com. Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more updates!