In a new development, Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship are urgently pleading with President Bola Tinubu to address the prolonged delay in receiving their stipends.
Representing scholars in various countries including Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary, the coalition is appealing to the Federal Government to fulfill its financial commitments, as many students are facing severe hardships.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ayuba Anas Yushau, spokesperson for the Coalition of all Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Student Association, voiced the collective concerns of the students.
Yushau highlighted the financial strain endured by scholars over the past six to eight months due to delays in stipend payments. He pointed out significant discrepancies in payments, with some students experiencing a shortfall of up to two and a half months’ worth of stipends.
The situation is particularly dire for students in China, where some have not received any stipends since their arrival in April and May 2023.
The withheld stipends, intended for basic living expenses, have left students struggling to afford essential needs such as housing, utilities, and food. In Russia, the combination of escalating living costs and stipend delays is pushing Nigerian students to the brink.
The students implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing his role as a father figure and visionary in education. They expressed confidence that Tinubu’s intervention would expedite the disbursement of stipends, alleviating their current hardships and allowing them to focus on their studies.
The statement underscored the urgent need for Tinubu’s compassionate and proactive leadership to resolve the issue promptly, ensuring that Nigerian scholars abroad can pursue their academic endeavors without the burden of financial strain.
