The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has called on the federal government to urgently address the delayed stipend payments and 56% reduction in allowances affecting Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship.
In a statement by the union, scholars expressed frustration over the prolonged delays in stipend payments, with many students struggling to survive due to insufficient funds.
According to UNBEAS, students last received payments from January to August 2023. However, these payments were short by over two months’ stipends due to fluctuating exchange rates.
Students have not received their payments for the period from September to December 2023.
In September 2024, the scholars received their stipends. However, they were shocked to learn that their allowances had been drastically cut from $500 to $220.
The union spoke on the severe hardship many scholars face, especially those from low-income families.
Some students, particularly those in Morocco, rely solely on stipends to cover their rent but have faced eviction due to delayed payments.
Others have gone without food for days and reported health issues, but lack the means to afford medical care.
The union urges the federal government to pay the outstanding stipends from September to December 2023 and the full shortfall from March to August 2023.
They also call for the immediate restoration of the $500 stipend, as the current $220 is insufficient for basic living expenses.
Leave feedback about this