Nigerian students studying overseas under the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship have urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu over the prolonged non-payment of stipends, which has left them in dire straits.
Representing Nigerian scholars in countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary, the coalition called on the Federal Government to honour its financial commitments, as many students face severe hardships.
Ayuba Anas Yushau, spokesperson for the Coalition of all the Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Student Association, voiced the collective concerns of these students in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Yushau revealed, “For the past six to eight months, scholars enrolled in various institutions abroad have endured financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends.
“In addition, from the last payments we received (March-August), there was a shortfall of practically two and a half months’ payment. Moreover, some students in China have not received any stipends since they arrived in April and May 2023.”
He highlighted the dire circumstances in countries like Morocco, where the lack of school-provided housing compels students to secure and pay for their own accommodations. Yushau noted that the critical stipends intended for basic living expenses have been withheld, leaving the students without the means to afford housing, utilities, or food.
Yushau further lamented that in Russia, the increased cost of living coupled with the stipend delays is pushing Nigerian students to the brink.
He stressed, “Forced to navigate financial hardships amidst the pressures of academic stress, many students have been pushed to the breaking point which is diverting their focus from their primary goal of academic excellence.
“We implore the Nigerian government to recognize the plight of its scholars abroad and take immediate action to alleviate their suffering. As the nation grapples with economic hardships, it is imperative to prioritize the welfare of our students who represent the future of our country,” the Union emphasized.
Consequently, they appealed directly to President Tinubu, asking for his immediate intervention.
