Nigerian Government Slashes Allowances for Stranded Scholars Abroad Amid Economic Woes

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant reduction in allowances for Nigerian scholars stranded in foreign countries, citing economic challenges.

The affected students, beneficiaries of the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, expressed deep concerns about the impact of the cuts on their welfare.

However, the decision to reduce allowances by 12.7% was necessitated by difficulties in sustaining current rates due to domestic exchange rate issues, according to a memo signed by Ndajiwo H.A., Director of the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB).

The memo stated that the prevailing situation concerning the domestic exchange rate in Nigeria makes it challenging for the FSB to maintain the payment of BEA scholars’ allowances as initially agreed upon.

Furthermore, the revised allowances for the 2024 academic year include a reduction in monthly supplementation allowances from $500 to $220, postgraduate research allowances from $1,000 to $500, and passage/graduation allowances from $2,500 to $2,000. Notably, annual warm clothing allowances, health insurance allowances, pilot allowances, and medical allowances remain unchanged.

Moreover, the affected scholars, who have not received their allowances for over 13 months, voiced their frustration regarding the severe living conditions in their host countries. Ronald Donald, one of the stranded scholars, highlighted the challenges of living in Russia and Morocco, where the cost of living has significantly increased. Donald emphasized that the Nigerian embassy in Russia has been providing loans to students in need, which are expected to be repaid once the FSB releases the stipends.