Federal Government Discontinues Bilateral Scholarships

The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme has officially ended. This was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a press briefing in Abuja.

The decision follows a full review of government policy. According to the Minister, Nigerian universities and polytechnics now offer every course that students used to study abroad. Many of these local options are just as strong or even better.

The government believes that spending public money on foreign scholarships is no longer fair or wise when local schools can meet those needs.

Understand how this change helps local schools

Sending students abroad costs the government a lot. This includes:

• Airfare
• Tuition
• Monthly stipends
• Living expenses
• Healthcare

By stopping the BEA scholarships, this money can now be used to improve facilities, pay staff, and admit more students into local schools.

The goal is to strengthen home-grown education so that more Nigerians can benefit.

See what support is still available

This change does not affect current BEA scholarship holders. Every student already on the programme will continue to get full support until they finish their studies.

Also, the government is still running other domestic scholarship programmes:

1. Nigerian Scholarship Awards – for students in public universities and polytechnics
2. Federal Government Bursary – for students studying education
3. Presidential Scholarship – for ex-NYSC corps members

In addition, the Nigerian Student Loan Programme is growing. This scheme gives interest-free loans to students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

Know what foreign offers are still allowed

The government has said it will still support scholarships from foreign governments, but only if they are fully funded. These offers must include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Transport
• Monthly allowance of at least $500
• Healthcare
• No cost at all to Nigeria

This policy change is designed to protect public funds while still offering good chances for international study where possible.

For students aiming for higher education, the message is clear: strong support is available right here in Nigeria.