BEA Scholarships Suspended: FG’s Controversial 5-Year Halt Sparks Outrage

BEA Scholarships Suspended: FG’s Controversial 5-Year Halt Sparks Outrage

BEA Scholarships have been suspended for five years in what many are calling a shocking move by the Nigerian government. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the decision, ending federal sponsorship for one of the country’s most recognised foreign study programmes and pushing students to consider local options instead.

This announcement came after what officials described as a deep and careful review of how Nigerian students benefit from the programme. According to the Minister, the courses offered abroad through the BEA are now widely available—and in some cases even better delivered—within Nigerian universities and other higher institutions.

“We have carefully reviewed all courses our citizens pursue abroad. Every single one is now offered here at home,” Alausa stated in a firm voice, expressing the government’s new position. The Minister’s message was delivered through the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade.

This decision may have taken many by surprise, especially families who had hoped to benefit from the international education pathway. But the Minister insisted it was a necessary move to encourage educational development within Nigeria. He also said that it was crucial to use public funds wisely and ensure that all Nigerian students get fair opportunities.

Dr. Alausa explained that while the government is no longer sponsoring students to study abroad through the BEA programme, parents and guardians who wish to send their children overseas on private funding can continue to do so. He emphasized that this suspension is not a ban on international education, but a call to focus more on home-grown learning opportunities.

“We must be fair and equitable to every citizen. The government currently spends significantly on tickets, stipends, and other costs to send students abroad for education they can now access at home, often at better quality,” he said.

He clarified, however, that Nigeria remains open to fully funded scholarships offered by foreign partner countries. Such offers must cover all necessary expenses, including tuition, travel, housing, healthcare, and a living stipend of at least $500 per month. The condition? The Nigerian government will not pay a kobo.

“Such scholarships must cover tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, healthcare, and a monthly stipend of no less than $500, at no cost to the Nigerian government,” Alausa explained.

This five-year pause applies strictly to the BEA programme. Other scholarships provided by the government remain untouched. These include the Nigerian Scholarship Award, which supports students in public universities and polytechnics; the Education Bursary Award for undergraduates studying education; and the prestigious Presidential Scholarship given to outstanding former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

According to the Minister, these existing scholarship packages are being strengthened to give local students more access to funding. Alausa pointed to the Nigerian Student Loan Programme, which he said has been significantly improved to ensure that more students can afford to stay in school without financial pressure.

The move has sparked conversations across the education sector, especially among students and parents hoping for international exposure. But the government has promised that students currently on BEA scholarships

will not be abandoned.

“We stand by the promises made to our students abroad,” Alausa assured. He said the current BEA scholars will continue to enjoy full sponsorship until they complete their studies and return home.

Alausa made it clear that this policy shift is part of a broader mission to rebuild and refocus Nigeria’s education system. He said the government wants to ensure that the country’s best talents stay within and help lift its educational standards from the inside.

“We are committed to expanding local scholarship opportunities and supporting the educational aspirations of all Nigerians, ensuring that no dream is delayed or denied,” he said with resolve.

This change may mean fewer Nigerian students will study abroad in the short term, but the government hopes it will push universities in Nigeria to rise to global standards. Alausa believes that if the country invests more in its institutions, young Nigerians will thrive without needing to look beyond the country’s borders.

For now, the focus is clear: redirect funds, boost local education, and trust in the potential of Nigerian schools and students. The message from the government is that international education should not be the only symbol of academic success. Nigeria wants its classrooms to be just as powerful, just as competitive—and just as inspiring.