The Federal Government has suspended the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programme for the next five years.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, this move aims to enhance the development of local educational institutions, improve student welfare, and strengthen Nigeria’s educational system.
Dr Alausa, in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, May 3, 2025, following a comprehensive review of academic opportunities abroad, explained that all courses offered through the BEA programme are now available within Nigerian universities, and in many cases, are of higher quality.
The suspension is part of a broader effort to encourage students to pursue their studies locally. However, Dr Alausa clarified that parents can still privately sponsor their children to study overseas.
He pointed out that the government spends significant amounts on tuition, stipends, and other expenses for students sent abroad for courses that can now be accessed at home.
However, the Minister stated that the suspension would not affect other government-funded scholarships, such as the Nigerian Scholarship Award, the Education Bursary Award, and the Presidential Scholarship for ex-NYSC corps members.
Dr. Alausa also reassured the public that the ongoing Nigerian Student Loan Programme would provide more substantial financial support to students in local institutions.
Additionally, Dr. Alausa confirmed that all current BEA scholarship recipients would continue to receive full support until they complete their studies and return to Nigeria. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding local scholarship opportunities and ensuring that the educational dreams of all Nigerians are met without delay.
Leave feedback about this