Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister of Education, has clarified that all Nigerian students on federal scholarships have received payments up to the 2024 budget year, addressing concerns circulating online about delays.
The clarification comes after social media posts from Nigerian students under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme in Morocco alleged late payments, hardship, homelessness, and limited access to medical support. Dr. Alausa confirmed that all beneficiaries enrolled under the programme prior to 2024 have received their entitlements in line with Federal Government obligations.
The ministry explained that any temporary delays in outstanding payments are due to fiscal constraints and are being resolved through ongoing engagement between the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance. The minister also warned that documents suggesting otherwise are fake and part of an attempt to mislead the public and discredit government policy.
Dr. Alausa noted that no new bilateral scholarship awards have been issued since October 2025. The policy to discontinue government-funded bilateral scholarships abroad followed a review showing that most courses pursued overseas are now available in Nigerian institutions. Only scholarships fully funded by foreign governments are now supported, with all obligations borne by the host countries.
Despite the policy shift, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting students already enrolled under previous arrangements until they complete their programmes.
