Juliet Akoje In Abuja

The House of Representatives has initiated a probe into claims that scholarship stipends meant for students studying both within Nigeria and overseas have not been paid, a situation said to have placed many of them under severe hardship and disrupted their academic progress.

This was revealed as the House Committee on Students Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, chaired by Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, began its investigative hearing yesterday. 

During the hearing, parents of the affected students presented their concerns to the committee, expressing deep anxiety about the consequences the delayed payments have had on their families and on their children’s welfare.

The parents, speaking under the umbrella of the Forum of Parents and Guardians of FGN Bilateral Education Agreement Scholarship Recipients, Abuja, Nigeria, alleged that the federal government has violated the terms of the scholarship awards.

They stated that the programme had previously run smoothly across various host countries and that numerous former Nigerian beneficiaries had gained significantly from it and were now contributing meaningfully to national development.

They noted that although host nations had largely adhered to the provisions of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), Nigeria had failed to consistently fulfill its obligations to pay stipends as required.

They further explained that within the past three years, the situation had deteriorated, adversely affecting the scholars. 

They urged the committee to examine the specific contractual commitments outlined in the award letters.

The parents recalled that as of 2018, the award letter provided beneficiaries with $500 per month and $600 annually for feeding, local transportation, and books/equipment; an annual warm clothing stipend of $250; and $200 for health insurance.

The package also included a $60,000 take-off grant prior to departure, along with a one-way ticket to the host country and a return ticket at the end of the study period to be obtained from the Nigerian mission.

They added that a similar letter issued to another scholar in September 2022 listed the same benefits: a monthly supplementation allowance of $500 and $6,000 annually for feeding, transportation, and equipment/books; $250 for warm clothing; $200 for health insurance per year; a $60,000 take-off grant; and one-way and return flight provisions to be collected from the Nigerian Mission abroad.

The group also pointed out that in the last three years the scholarship scheme has been plagued by problems, particularly due to fluctuations between the naira and the dollar, leading to outstanding stipend balances from 2023 to 2024.

They stressed that no stipends at all have been paid for the 2025 fiscal year so far, leaving the scholars unable to cover basic living expenses and exposing them to health, safety, and academic risks.

They added that in addition to the unpaid 2025 stipends, scholars are still owed arrears from the shortfalls recorded in 2023 and 2024, resulting in a significant accumulation of debts and prolonged financial strain.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Rep. David Agada, expressed disappointment over the reported delays in payments, warning that such failures could impede the students’ progress.

He noted that any disruption in stipend disbursement negatively impacts students’ education and motivation.

Speaker Abbas reaffirmed that the 10th Assembly intends to improve administrative processes governing scholarship payments and stated that the outcome of the probe will help shape future administration of the scholarship scheme.

In his remarks, Committee Chairman Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, said that, if verified, the allegations point to serious administrative lapses and a breach of national responsibility.

He described the situation as a direct threat to the academic, mental, and physical well-being of Nigerian students studying abroad.

He added that any country sending students overseas has a duty to support, supervise, and uphold their dignity as a long-term investment in its future.

Hon. Ehindero condemned reports of Nigerian scholars stranded abroad and stressed that the Committee will, as part of its mandate, identify the reasons behind the delays and administrative breakdowns.

He emphasised that the committee will also review the status of released scholarship funds and assess whether due process, fairness, and accountability were followed.

He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring such administrative failures do not happen again.

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