The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of outstanding 2025 allowances to beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme studying in partner countries overseas.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo. The statement was also reposted on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the ministry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions abroad for onward disbursement to eligible scholars.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated that the released funds cover 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, adding that arrangements were ongoing to ensure payment of the remaining balance.

He explained that the funds had already been credited to embassy accounts and that affected missions were expected to begin immediate payment to beneficiaries.

Alausa also advised scholars to monitor their accounts as the disbursement process begins.

The BEA Scholarship Programme, which provided financial support to Nigerian students studying in partner countries, has since been discontinued. However, beneficiaries had repeatedly raised concerns over delays in the payment of allowances, citing the financial hardship caused by the backlog.

The latest disbursement is expected to bring relief to affected students.

The minister noted that the payment reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students abroad under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its obligations to Nigerian scholars and sustaining policies aimed at promoting quality education, student welfare, and national human capital development.