The Nigerian federal government has rejected reports that it has abandoned scholarship students in Morocco, insisting that all eligible beneficiaries continue to receive support. Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa called the contrary claims “false, unfounded, and deliberately crafted to mislead the public.” He clarified that students enrolled in the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme before 2024 have been funded through the 2024 budget year, in accordance with government obligations. Any payment delays, he said, stem from fiscal constraints and are being addressed through ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Alausa also refuted allegations that new bilateral scholarship awards were granted in October 2025 or later, describing the purported documents as “fake and unauthenticated.” This clarification follows a comprehensive policy review that led the government to discontinue certain overseas scholarships. The review concluded that Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now have sufficient capacity to offer these programmes locally. Consequently, only scholarships fully funded by foreign governments will continue, with all financial obligations borne by the host countries.
Students already enrolled under previous arrangements will receive full support until they complete their programmes. The government will also facilitate the reintegration of students who wish to return home, placing them in Nigerian institutions and covering their travel expenses. According to Dr. Alausa, the reforms aim to eliminate inefficiencies and abuses in the scholarship system, which had previously imposed unnecessary financial burdens on the nation. By promoting transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources, the government seeks to strengthen national capacity and protect the integrity of the education sector.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and warned against misinformation or attempts to discredit policies that benefit the nation.
Comments are closed for this story.