AfriPulse
Parents of Nigerian students enrolled in foreign universities under the government-funded scholarship schemes blocked the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday to protest the unpaid 16-month stipends to their wards.
The protest was organised to demand the immediate release of long-overdue allowances owed to the children.
According to the demonstrators, many of the affected students are beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) and other scholarship programmes managed by the Federal Government.
They revealed that stipends have not been paid for 16 consecutive months, while additional eight months arrears remain unsettled.
The parents noted that the prolonged delay has left their children stranded abroad and unable to meet basic living expenses.
Some scholars have reportedly faced eviction from hostels, food insecurity, and mounting debts.
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The protesters stated that they could no longer bear the financial and emotional burden of supporting their children in foreign countries.
Reports indicate that BEA scholars are entitled to monthly stipends of $500, but payments have been inconsistent.
In 2024, the federal government reportedly slashed stipends by 56 percent and disbursed only $220 per month instead of the approved amount.
This cut, combined with the current backlog, has worsened the plight of Nigerian students abroad.
The protest, which began around 10:00 a.m., was coordinated by the Forum of BEA Scholars and their parents.
Placards carried by demonstrators accused the government of neglect and demanded accountability from the Ministry of Finance.
Source: RipplesNigeria | Read the Full Story…
