The Federal Ministry of Education has commenced the payment of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.

The ministry disclosed this in a statement issued on May 19, 2026, noting that the disbursement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian scholars overseas.

According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully remitted approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions in partner countries for immediate payment to eligible beneficiaries.

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the released funds represent 50 percent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, while efforts are ongoing to facilitate payment of the remaining balance.

He stated that the funds had already reached the accounts of the affected embassies, adding that the missions were expected to begin disbursement to scholars immediately.

The minister advised beneficiaries of the now-terminated BEA Scholarship Programme to monitor their accounts as payments were expected to begin reflecting soon.

Alausa said the development underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare, academic progress, and wellbeing of Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also commended the patience and resilience shown by affected students during the delay, assuring that the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring that Nigerian scholars under government-sponsored programmes receive adequate support.

The ministry reiterated its resolve to fulfill all legitimate obligations to beneficiaries while sustaining policies and interventions aimed at promoting access to quality education, student welfare, and national development through strategic human capital development.

It further assured stakeholders of continued support for Nigerian students globally and the effective implementation of government scholarship programmes.