Nigerian BEA scholars urge government to pay full 2025 stipends
Nigerian students on the Bilateral Education Agreement scholarship are worried about unpaid stipends. The scholars say only a fraction of their 2025 stipends has been paid, despite repeated assurances from officials. They are also owed money from previous years, with payment delays affecting their studies and living conditions. The group is appealing to the government and relevant authorities for urgent intervention.
What we know
- The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars said only about 23 per cent of the total 2025 stipends has been paid so far.
- The union expressed concern that after 30th September 2026, the budget cycles for both 2024 and 2025 may be closed, making it harder to settle outstanding payments.
- Scholars are still owed stipends for four months in 2023 and have a separate shortfall of over $1,000.
- Only about 46 per cent of the total stipends for 2024 have been paid, and no payment has been received for 2026.
- The group urged President Bola Tinubu, Education Minister Tunji Alausa, the Federal Scholarship Board, and other stakeholders to intervene urgently.
