Nigerian Students Alert: FG Allocates N1.764 Billion for 300 BEA Scholarships in 2026

The Federal Government has earmarked N1.764 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill to fund 300 new scholarships for Nigerian students under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programme.

This allocation, managed by the Federal Ministry of Education, is set to cover allowances, health insurance, travel expenses, and other essential needs for beneficiaries. It forms part of the ministry’s total 2026 budget of N2.398 trillion.

Budget Details on BEA Scholarships

According to the 2026 budget document, the N1.764 billion allocation (item ERGP24230073) is specifically for implementing 300 fresh scholarships for Nigerians to study in countries with bilateral education agreements with Nigeria.

Additionally, N105 million (item ERGP24230092) has been allocated for the verification of BEA schools in 12 countries, ensuring the programmes meet required standards.

The budget also sets aside N5.6 billion (item ERGP24230060) for servicing ongoing scholarships. This covers 1,532 Nigerian students currently studying abroad, including payment of allowances, medical and health insurance, warm clothing, and postgraduate support.

Countries benefiting from the BEA programme include Russia, China, Cuba, Romania, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, Mexico, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan.

Context: BEA Programme Discontinuation

In April 2025, the Nigerian government officially discontinued the BEA scholarship programme, citing inefficient use of public funds and the availability of similar courses in local universities.

Many students faced hardships due to delayed or reduced stipends, with payments completely halted from September 2023 to August 2024, followed by disbursements being reduced by over 50%.

The government had redirected funds from the BEA programme to domestic scholarship schemes, allowing a larger number of Nigerian students to benefit while ensuring existing beneficiaries could complete their studies.

Controversy Over 2026 Allocation

Despite the programme’s discontinuation, the 2026 budget includes funding for 300 new scholarships, a move that has raised questions.

Recently, Nigerian BEA students in Morocco raised concerns on social media about delayed stipends, citing hardship, homelessness, and limited access to medical support.

In response, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, clarified that all students enrolled before 2024 have received payments up to the 2024 budget year. He also confirmed that no new BEA awards were issued in October 2025 or afterward.

The inclusion of 300 new scholarships in the 2026 budget therefore appears unusual, signaling potential changes in federal scholarship priorities.

What This Means for Students

For Nigerian students, the 2026 budget signals continued investment in international education, despite previous program suspensions. Prospective scholars and their families should closely monitor official announcements from the Federal Ministry of Education for updates on application processes and eligibility.

FAQs on BEA Scholarships and 2026 Budget

Q1: What is the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) programme?
A: The BEA programme offers scholarships for Nigerian students to study in countries with educational agreements with Nigeria. It covers tuition, allowances, health insurance, and other essential needs.

Q2: Why was the BEA programme discontinued in 2025?
A: The government cited inefficient use of public funds and the availability of similar courses in Nigerian universities as the main reasons for discontinuation.

Q3: How many new scholarships are funded in the 2026 budget?
A: The 2026 budget allocates N1.764 billion for 300 new BEA scholarships.

Q4: Which countries are involved in the BEA scholarship programme?
A: Some of the countries include Russia, China, Cuba, Romania, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Serbia, Hungary, Ukraine, Mexico, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan.

Q5: Who manages the BEA scholarships?
A: The Federal Ministry of Education oversees the allocation, implementation, and verification of BEA scholarships.