Nigerian Students Abroad Struggle Amid Delayed Scholarship Stipends

Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship have been facing severe hardships due to the prolonged non-payment of their stipends.

These students, representing countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary, are calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the prompt disbursement of their stipends.

For the past six to eight months, these scholars have been experiencing financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends.

In some cases, there has been a shortfall of practically two and a half months’ worth of payments, which has had serious consequences for their well-being.

In countries like Morocco, where school-provided housing is not available, students are forced to secure and pay for their own accommodations.

However, the lack of stipend payments has made it impossible for them to afford housing, utilities, or food.

The situation is similarly dire in Russia, where the increased cost of living coupled with the stipend delays is pushing Nigerian students to the brink.

With the economic reality of the nation and the prohibition on employment in many host BEA Countries, these students are left without the means to supplement their incomes.

As a result, they are unable to focus on their primary goal of academic excellence due to the financial pressures and the stress of academic pursuits.

The Coalition of all the Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Student Association, led by spokesperson Ayuba Anas Yushau, has made a plea to President Tinubu to address this pressing issue.

They believe that under his compassionate and forward-thinking leadership, swift action will be taken to resolve this issue, allowing them to continue their studies without the burden of financial strain.

The Nigerian government must recognize the plight of its scholars abroad and take immediate action to alleviate their suffering.

By prioritizing the welfare of these students, who represent the future of the country, the government can ensure that they are able to focus on their academic pursuits and contribute to the nation’s development.