The Federal Government has commenced the payment of outstanding 2025 allowances to Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme.

The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, noting that the Central Bank of Nigeria had successfully transferred the approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for disbursement to beneficiaries.

According to the ministry, the released funds represent 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, while arrangements are ongoing to release the remaining balance.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the funds had already reached the accounts of the affected embassies, adding that immediate payment to eligible scholars was expected to begin.

He advised beneficiaries of the now terminated BEA Scholarship Programme to monitor their accounts, as payments would start reflecting accordingly.

The minister said the move demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian students abroad in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

Alausa also commended the patience and resilience shown by the affected scholars, assuring that the Federal Government remained committed to supporting Nigerian students under government scholarship schemes.

The ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling all legitimate obligations to scholars and sustaining policies aimed at improving access to quality education, student welfare and national development through human capital development initiatives.