The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting that Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholars will be reintegrated into Nigerian universities after the alleged cancellation of the BEA programme.
On Saturday, the Federal Ministry of Education issued an official statement through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade. According to the ministry, the news circulating in the media is false and misleading. There is no plan to bring BEA scholars back into the local university system.
“The public is advised to disregard this misinformation in its entirety,” the statement noted.
The ministry pointed out that there has been no cancellation of the BEA programme and that current scholars under the initiative will continue to receive full support from the government.
This support includes payment for tuition, monthly stipends, and all officially approved allowances. These benefits will remain in place until the scholars complete their studies abroad.
The report that triggered the ministry’s reaction claimed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, had set up a committee to manage the return and reintegration of BEA scholars into Nigerian universities. It was also alleged that this action followed the supposed termination of the BEA programme.
However, the Ministry clarified, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Education has been drawn to a false and misleading press release circulating in the media under the title ‘BEA: Education Minister receives committee’s report.’”
The release, it stated, falsely claimed that the Minister inaugurated a committee for the purpose of reintegrating the scholars. The Ministry stressed that no such committee exists and that no steps have been taken in that direction.
The BEA scheme is a long-standing partnership between Nigeria and several foreign countries. It provides opportunities for Nigerian students to study abroad on government sponsorship, promoting international academic cooperation.
