Nigerian Students Plead for Swift Action on Unpaid Scholar Stipends Amidst Economic Struggles

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Union of Nigerian Students, recipients of the Federal Government BEA (Bilateral Educational Agreement) Scholarship across various countries, has urgently appealed to the Nigerian government to address the severe issue of unpaid stipends, inflicting hardship on scholars.

Spokesman of the Coalition of all Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Student Association, Ayuba Anas Yushau, in a statement earnestly pleads with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a father figure and education visionary, to intervene.

Over the past six to eight months, scholars abroad have faced financial strain due to delayed stipend disbursement.

The recent payments (March-August) revealed a two-and-a-half-month shortfall, with some students in China not receiving stipends since their arrival in April and May 2023.

Yashau further noted that dire consequences follow this delay, particularly for those in countries like Morocco, lacking adequate provisions for school hostels.

He said, “ We earnestly plead with our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a father figure and a visionary in education, to intervene in this pressing matter. His intervention in ensuring the prompt disbursement of our stipends will not only alleviate our current hardships but also allow us, his scholars, to focus wholeheartedly on our studies.

“ We are confident that under President Tinubu’s compassionate and forward-thinking leadership, swift action will be taken to resolve this issue, enabling us to continue our academic pursuits without the burden of financial strain.

“ Stipends are vital for covering basic expenses like housing, bills, internet, transportation, and food. Evictions and illnesses due to hunger persist amid ongoing stipend delays.

“ In Russia, students grapple with an increased cost of living, intensified by prolonged stipend delays, diverting focus from academic excellence. Economic realities hinder additional parental support, and employment prohibitions in host countries limit income supplementation.”

The Nigerian government is implored to recognize scholars’ plight and take immediate action, prioritizing the welfare of future representatives of the country.