Nigerian students studying abroad through government scholarships have expressed distress over the Federal Government’s failure to disburse their stipends for the last 11 months.
In a statement observed by a correspondent on Sunday, members of the Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars highlighted the dire financial strain this has caused, adversely impacting their academic progress.
“Some students in China have not received any stipends since they arrived in April and May 2023. In Russia, students are struggling with the increased cost of living due to sanctions.
“This pattern of delayed payments has persisted for years, diverting our focus from academic pursuits to survival (contemplating our next meal, daily transport, pending payments, medical expenses, and housing.),” the statement read in part.
The BEA scholarship facilitates educational exchanges between Nigeria and its partner countries. Administered by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education, it aims to foster international learning opportunities.
Despite attempts to communicate their concerns through diplomatic channels and the Federal Scholarship Board, students have found their grievances unaddressed. They highlight challenging living conditions in their host countries, such as inadequate accommodation in places like Venezuela and Morocco.
This situation forces students to secure apartments and bear monthly rental expenses. A video shared by Nigerian Scholars in Diaspora depicts a woman, purportedly a landlord to some of the students, expressing dismay over their plight.
“It gives me your headache your situation,” she lamented.
When one of the students pleaded for more time to sort out their rent arrears, she responded, ” It no longer concerns me. Our agreement was for you to pay monthly. I have had enough of this.”
In another video, Anka who said she is an estate agent, is seen calling on the Nigerian government to come to the aid of the students.
“It’s been a while since they paid their rent. Anytime, I meet them, they tell me this month or next month. Up till now, I have received nothing.
” Please do something for these children. These apartments belong to other people and they are asking for their money,” she pleaded
To emphasise their demands, the students impacted organised a protest, as depicted in one of the videos.
Their signs bore various messages, such as “FG Nigeria, assist us. Nine months without funds,” “Scholarship should alleviate, not burden,” and “BEA scholarship students facing financial hardship,” among others.
As of the time this report was filed, no response had been received from any official at the Federal Ministry of Education regarding inquiries made by our correspondent regarding the issue.
