BREAKING: FG Begins Payment Of Outstanding Scholarships To Foreign Students

This development was disclosed in an official statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the statement, the Central Bank of Nigeria has transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and foreign missions for immediate payment to eligible students.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that the released funds represent 50 per cent of the outstanding obligations approved for 2025, while efforts are ongoing to settle the remaining balance.

He noted that the funds had already reached the accounts of the affected embassies, adding that the missions were expected to begin disbursing the payments to beneficiaries without delay. Students were also advised to monitor their bank accounts as the payments begin to reflect.

The Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme was established to support Nigerian students studying in partner countries through financial assistance provided by the Federal Government.

Despite the programme’s discontinuation, several beneficiaries had repeatedly raised concerns over prolonged delays in the payment of allowances, warning that the situation had caused financial hardship for many students abroad.

The latest payment is expected to ease the burden on affected scholars and restore confidence among beneficiaries awaiting their entitlements.

The minister stated that the disbursement reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its dedication to fulfilling its obligations to Nigerian scholars while sustaining policies aimed at improving education, student welfare and national human capital development.