Nigerian Students Abroad Plead with Tinubu to Release Scholarship Stipends
Nigerian students studying overseas through the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship are urgently appealing to President Bola Tinubu to expedite the release of their long-overdue stipends.
Representing scholars in countries such as Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary, a coalition of students has implored the Federal Government to fulfill its financial obligations, citing severe hardships faced by many.
According to Ayuba Anas Yushau, spokesperson for the Coalition of all Nigerian BEA Student Association, students have endured financial strain for the past six to eight months due to delays in stipend disbursement. Yushau highlighted significant shortfalls in payments, with some students in China reportedly not receiving any stipends since their arrival in April and May 2023.
The withheld stipends, crucial for basic living expenses, have left students unable to afford housing, utilities, and food. Particularly in Russia, where the cost of living is rising, delays exacerbate the challenges faced by Nigerian students.
The coalition’s plea to President Tinubu emphasizes his role as a father figure and champion of education, urging him to intervene swiftly to alleviate their financial burdens. They express confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, hopeful that his intervention will enable students to focus on their studies without the added strain of financial instability.
