Economic Crisis Forces Cut in Foreign Scholars’ Allowances

The Federal Government has reduced the allowances of foreign scholars by 23% due to the current economic crisis.

A memo signed by Ndajiwo H.A, Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of Education Minister Professor Tahir Mamman, announced the cuts.

The reductions include a monthly allowance from $500 to $200; a graduation allowance from $2,500 to $2,000, and a graduate research allowance from $1,000 to $500.

Total payment, which was $5,650 has been reduced to $4,370.

The cuts affect foreign scholars in countries like Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, who are studying under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA).

The Ministry made the decision after consulting stakeholders, as stated in the memo dated July 23.

The memo reads, “After due consultations, the Federal Scholarship Board has made adjustments in line with budgetary provisions for the 2024 academic year.”

However, the Ministry promised to pay outstanding allowances owed to students in 2023 and 2024 once funds become available.

Nigerian students under the Federal Government’s Scholarship have been struggling due to non-payment of stipends for eight months.

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