Addressing the Crisis in Nigeria FG reduces allowances of Foreign Scholars
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman ARDnig
This article discusses the recent 56% stipend cuts for Nigerian scholars under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) program, highlighting the severe impact on their living conditions and academic pursuits. It calls for the Nigerian government to reconsider its approach and provide adequate support to the scholars.
Foreign researchers under Nigeria’s Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship program have voiced their concerns over a significant reduction in their stipends by the Federal Scholarship Council. These scholars, studying in various countries such as Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, have not received their benefits for over 13 months. The sudden 56% cut in stipends has left them grappling with severe financial hardships, raising fears of expulsion and deportation as they struggle to meet basic needs like medical insurance, rent, and food.
Impact on Educational Exchange
The BEA scholarship, designed to foster educational exchange between Nigeria and partner countries, is overseen by the Federal Scholarship Commission under the Federal Ministry of Education. However, the recent stipend cuts have undermined the program’s objectives. Scholars argue that the cuts were implemented without considering their living conditions, making an already challenging situation unbearable. The inconsistency in stipend payments and the drastic reductions have forced many scholars to seek illegal and exploitative work just to survive.
We were barely surviving on the previous allowance, even though it was irregular. Not only did they leave us high and dry for over a year, but they have now compounded our problems by drastically reducing our allowances. – BEA Scholar
Scholars’ Plight in Host Countries
In Russia, BEA scholars face a rigorous education system with long hours and little time to earn extra income. Many have turned to religious institutions for food and basic necessities. The reduction in stipends has compounded their struggles, with students resorting to washing plates and construction work under exploitative conditions. This dire situation has also forced parents to take out substantial loans to support their children, adding financial strain on families already struggling with Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Section of Students – ARDnig
Government Response and Way Forward
The Federal Ministry of Education attributes the stipend cuts to the unfavorable exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar. However, scholars and their families feel abandoned and call for a more compassionate approach from the government. They urge the government to consider increasing stipends instead of cutting them and to ensure timely payments to prevent further hardships. Rebuilding trust with the scholars and ensuring their well-being is crucial for maintaining the integrity and success of the BEA scholarship program. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including a thorough review of the current funding mechanisms, more transparent communication between the government and the scholars, and active engagement with international partners to seek support and solutions. The future of Nigeria’s educational exchange programs depends on the government’s ability to support its scholars effectively and responsibly.
The Nigerian government must address the stipend cuts’ impact on BEA scholars by ensuring timely payments and considering increases instead of reductions. Supporting these scholars is essential for the success and integrity of the BEA scholarship program. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including a thorough review of the current funding mechanisms, more transparent communication between the government and the scholars, and active engagement with international partners to seek support and solutions. The future of Nigeria’s educational exchange programs depends on the government’s ability to support its scholars effectively and responsibly.
