Nigerian students on the Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Programme studying abroad have begun receiving long overdue allowances, after the Federal Government commenced disbursement of outstanding 2025 payments through Nigerian embassies and missions in partner countries.

The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Director of Press and Public Relations Folasade Boriowo, disclosing that the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully remitted approved funds to the relevant diplomatic missions for immediate disbursement to eligible scholars.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa noted that the released funds represent 50% of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025. "Efforts are ongoing to ensure payment of the remaining balance," he stated, adding that embassy accounts had already received the funds and affected missions were expected to commence payments immediately.

Alausa urged scholars to monitor their accounts as payments begin to reflect, describing the disbursement as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to student welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The BEA scholarship programme, which supports Nigerian students in partner countries with federal financial assistance, has been discontinued. However, several beneficiaries had raised concerns over prolonged delays in allowance payments, citing significant financial hardship as a result.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting all outstanding obligations to Nigerian scholars and sustaining policies that promote quality education and national human capital development.