The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied reports of plans to reduce allowances for foreign scholarship students. Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, clarified during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that there has been no slash in allowances, but rather adjustments due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Mamman emphasized that the ministry has not cut allowances under the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, which supports students studying abroad. He explained that any changes in the amounts due are temporary adjustments related to budget constraints and currency issues. The government is committed to ensuring that students receive their full allowances as soon as additional funds become available.
This statement comes in response to recent media reports claiming that the Federal Scholarship Board had announced a reduction in allowances for Nigerian students stranded in countries like Russia, Morocco, and Algeria. The minister reassured students that the government is working to resolve any financial challenges they face.