On May 17, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education firmly refuted misinformation about the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.
Through its Director of Press & Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry clarified that no committee was formed to reintegrate BEA scholars into Nigerian universities.
Contrary to false reports, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, did not initiate any such plan. The Ministry urged the public to disregard these claims entirely.
Earlier, on May 7, 2025, the Federal Government announced the discontinuation of the BEA Scholarship Programme. This decision resulted from a policy shift prioritizing domestic tertiary education. After a thorough review, the Ministry confirmed that all courses previously offered abroad are now available in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Many institutions now provide equal or better quality education, making overseas study unnecessary for these programs.
Additionally, the Ministry reassured ongoing BEA scholars that their government support will continue uninterrupted. Specifically, tuition fees, stipends, and other entitlements will remain available until their studies conclude. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to honoring existing agreements despite the program’s cancellation.
Finally, the Ministry advised citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing. Misleading reports can cause unnecessary confusion, so relying on authenticated updates is crucial. The public was reminded to follow the Ministry’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle and website for accurate news. By doing so, misinformation can be avoided, ensuring clarity on government policies.
In summary, the Federal Ministry of Education remains dedicated to transparency and urges stakeholders to seek facts from authorized sources. The BEA Scholarship Programme’s cancellation aligns with efforts to strengthen local education, and affected scholars will receive continued support. The Ministry’s prompt response aims to prevent further spread of false claims.
