ABUJA – The House of Representatives has launched a major investigation into the prolonged non-payment of scholarship stipends to Nigerian students studying abroad, with lawmakers describing the situation as a “breach of national trust” that threatens the academic futures of the nation’s youth.
During an investigative hearing on Wednesday, the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing heard alarming testimony that students under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship have received no stipends for the entire 2025 fiscal year, with some arrears dating back to 2023.
Committee Chairman Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero condemned the delays as symptomatic of deeper bureaucratic failures. “A nation that sends its students abroad must be committed to funding them, guiding them, and protecting their dignity as an investment in the country’s future,” Ehindero stated.
Parents representing the Forum of Parents and Guardians of BEA Scholarship Recipients provided detailed evidence of the crisis, revealing that award letters guarantee beneficiaries a $500 monthly supplement, $600 annual allowance for feeding and books, $250 warm clothing allowance, $200 health insurance, and a $60,000 take-off grant—commitments the government has consistently failed to meet.
“The delays have severely hindered students’ ability to cover basic living expenses, jeopardizing their health, safety, and academic progress,” Forum Chairman Prince Ponfa A. Wuyep told lawmakers.
The investigation comes amid reports that currency fluctuations between the naira and dollar have caused payment shortfalls since 2023, compounding the scholarship program’s administrative challenges.
Speaker of the House Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Rep. David Agada, expressed grave concern that the payment delays “could negatively affect students’ education and motivation,” pledging that the 10th Assembly would work to improve administrative efficiency in scholarship disbursements.
The committee has committed to identifying the root causes of the funding gaps and ensuring proper processes are implemented to prevent future failures in the critical scholarship program.
