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

In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and academic success of Nigerian scholars overseas.

The ministry disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had successfully transferred approved funds to Nigerian embassies and missions for immediate disbursement to eligible beneficiaries.

According to the ministry, the payment covers 50 per cent of the approved outstanding obligations for 2025, while arrangements have been concluded for the release of the balance.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the funds had reached the account of various embassies and directed the missions to commence immediate payment to beneficiaries.

He urged beneficiaries under the now-terminated BEA Scholarship Programme to monitor their accounts, noting that payments were expected to begin reflecting without delay.

Alausa said the move reflects the commitment President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to the welfare, academic advancement and wellbeing of Nigerian students abroad in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister commended the patience and resilience shown by affected students despite the delay in payment, assuring them that the government remained committed to fulfilling all legitimate obligations owed scholars.

The ministry further reiterated its resolve to sustain policies and interventions aimed at promoting access to quality education, strengthening student welfare and advancing national development through human capital investment.