BEA scholars demand payment of outstanding stipends

Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship scheme are demanding the immediate release of outstanding stipends. The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars reported that only approximately 23 per cent of the total 2025 stipends have been paid, despite previous assurances from the Minister of Education that the remaining funds would be released within two weeks.

The union expressed concern that the arrears may become significantly harder to settle once the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles close on September 30, 2026. In addition to the 2025 shortfall, scholars are reportedly owed stipends for four months in 2023, as well as other outstanding backlogs and shortfalls exceeding $1,000.

While the union acknowledged recent partial payments as a form of relief, they have appealed to the Federal Government and the Minister of Education to clear all remaining obligations before the upcoming budget deadlines.