Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to the growing concerns about the financial challenges faced by Nigerian students studying abroad by initiating an investigation into the matter.
This decision comes in the wake of reports highlighting the difficulties experienced by these students, many of whom have not received their stipends for up to 11 months.
The financial hardships have forced students to seek employment, borrow from other African students, and rely on support from their families back home. However, due to the devaluation of the naira and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, these contributions have proven insufficient. In some cases, students have resorted to selling their personal belongings to meet their basic needs.
During the Senate's plenary session on Tuesday, the federal government was urged to hold accountable the officials responsible for the delays.
The motion was presented by Salihu Mustapha, representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District. Mustapha emphasized the importance of scholarships as part of a broader effort to promote specialized education through international partnerships.
Mustapha drew attention to the plight of Nigerian students in countries such as Algeria, China, Morocco, Russia, and the United Kingdom, where the non-payment of tuition fees and living stipends has led to negative media coverage and national embarrassment. He highlighted that these recurring issues point to systemic failures, despite previous interventions by the Senate.
"The federal government's failure to fulfill its financial commitments under these international agreements for over 10 months will jeopardize the welfare and academic progress of the affected students. This failure not only undermines our national reputation but also poses significant diplomatic concerns and risks, pushing our students towards unlawful activities to sustain their livelihood abroad," Mustapha remarked.
In response, the Senate has summoned Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, and the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) to provide an explanation for the delay in payments. Lawmakers have requested Mamman to provide a comprehensive report on the status of all Nigerian students under international scholarship programs, including an analysis of their outstanding entitlements.
The Senate has entrusted Akpabio with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to address the situation. Relevant committees have also been tasked with examining the issue.
Nigeria has bilateral education agreements with several countries across Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia, including Russia, China, Hungary, Morocco, Venezuela, and Algeria. These agreements typically cover tuition and accommodation for Nigerian students, with Nigeria being responsible for a yearly allowance for health insurance, medical expenses, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Despite these arrangements, the FSB has faced challenges in meeting its financial obligations, leading to delays in disbursements that can last for months. The most recent delay has extended to 12 months, significantly impacting the students, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds. These students have been compelled to work long hours in low-paying jobs, share accommodation with foreign nationals, seek charity, face the risk of eviction, and ration their food.
In 2023, Nigeria had 1,532 active Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) beneficiaries, with a budget of N6.8 billion for 2024 at an FX benchmark of N800/USD 1. Government sources have cited a lack of funds as the reason for the unpaid stipends, with embassies in destination countries running out of options. The education ministry is reportedly addressing the issue with the finance ministry, and the House of Representatives is also contemplating an investigation into the matter.
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