Reps Launch Investigation into Federal Scholarship Board Over Alleged Mismanagement and Unpaid Stipends to Nigerian Students Abroad

The House of Representatives has ordered an in-depth investigation into the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) following allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and non-payment of stipends to Nigerian students studying overseas under various government-sponsored scholarship schemes.

This decision came after lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by Hon. Chike Okafor (APC–Imo) during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Lawmakers Express Concern Over Welfare of Nigerian Students Abroad

According to Hon. Okafor, the Federal Scholarship Board, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Education, has failed to fulfill its core mandate of safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian scholars abroad.

He noted that the agency is statutorily responsible for administering scholarship programs—both local and international—and ensuring timely payment of stipends and allowances to beneficiaries.

However, the lawmaker lamented that the board has been inundated with complaints from students on the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship program, which sponsors Nigerian students to study in countries such as Russia, China, Morocco, and Hungary.

“We are deeply concerned by the cries of Nigerian scholars abroad, especially those under the BEA scheme, who have been left stranded and struggling to survive due to non-payment of their stipends,” Hon. Okafor said.
“These are our future leaders. Abandoning them in foreign lands not only endangers their lives but also tarnishes Nigeria’s image globally.”

Allegations of Mismanagement, Unpaid Arrears, and Stipend Cuts

Over the past year, Nigerian students studying abroad under government sponsorship have repeatedly raised alarm over delayed stipends, arbitrary deductions, and lack of accountability by the Federal Scholarship Board.

Reports indicate that monthly stipends were slashed from around $500 to $220, leaving many students unable to afford accommodation or basic needs.

The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) claims that the FSB owes each student an estimated $6,720 in unpaid stipends dating back to 2023.

Several affected students have reportedly been evicted from their hostels or forced to engage in menial jobs to survive, despite being under government sponsorship.

“The situation has become distressing and embarrassing. Many students now face hunger and exploitation abroad due to administrative negligence,” Okafor added.

Poor Communication and Administrative Lapses

Students have also accused the board of poor communication, claiming they were not informed of stipend reductions or payment delays until after disbursement.

In April 2025, the Federal Government announced a temporary suspension of the foreign bilateral scholarship program, citing duplication of courses and mismanagement of funds. However, it promised that students already in the system would be allowed to complete their studies.

Despite this assurance, the FSB has continued to face backlash over the alleged mishandling of existing scholarships.

Reps Demand Accountability and Transparency

Following deliberations, the House directed its Committees on Diaspora, University Education, Foreign Affairs, and Anti-Corruption to conduct a comprehensive probe into the operations of the Federal Scholarship Board, particularly focusing on:

• The management of scholarship funds between 2015 and 2025
• Payment processes and delays in stipend disbursement
• Compliance with federal regulations on scholarship administration
• Alleged misuse or diversion of education funds

The committees are expected to submit a detailed report with recommendations on how to restore transparency, ensure accountability, and protect the welfare of Nigerian students abroad.

“We must uphold the integrity of our scholarship programs,” Okafor emphasized. “No Nigerian student should suffer abroad because of bureaucratic inefficiency or corruption.”

Nigeria invests billions of naira annually in international education partnerships to build its future workforce. Mismanagement of these programs undermines that investment, discourages brilliant minds, and damages the country’s reputation abroad.

Stakeholders have called for digital tracking systems, transparent payment platforms, and independent audits to ensure that funds reach beneficiaries without diversion or delay.

Education experts have also urged the government to strengthen local scholarship programs, expand exchange opportunities with partner nations, and prioritize the digital reform of education funding to prevent future scandals.