The House of Representatives has opened a comprehensive investigation into allegations that scholarship beneficiaries, both within Nigeria and abroad, have gone months without receiving the stipends promised under government-funded programmes.
Lawmakers say the situation has left many students struggling to meet basic needs, prompting urgent scrutiny of how scholarship funds are being managed and disbursed.
The probe is being handled by the House Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, chaired by Ifeoluwa Ehindero.
The investigation seeks to ensure that Federal Government-funded scholarship programmes are administered efficiently and transparently, in line with the terms contained in award letters.
The scholarships, offered under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement, are designed to support Nigerian students studying in partner countries.
Beneficiaries are entitled to monthly stipends, allowances for feeding, transport, books and equipment, health insurance, warm clothing, take-off grants, and travel arrangements to and from their host countries.
The scheme aims to strengthen human capital development and equip Nigerian youths with skills that contribute to national growth.
During an investigative hearing on Wednesday, parents representing affected beneficiaries under the Forum of Parents and Guardians of FGN BEA Scholarship Recipients, Abuja, highlighted long-running delays and the severe difficulties their children now face while studying abroad.
Chairman of the Forum, Ponfa Wuyep, told the committee that, “The scholarship programme had been progressing steadily in various countries, with many Nigerian alumni contributing significantly to national development.
“While host countries have adhered to the BEA terms, Nigeria has consistently lagged in paying stipends to its scholars. Over the past three years, this situation has worsened, violating the contractual agreements outlined in the award letters.”
According to the group, award letters issued since 2018 promised a wide range of financial support, including $500 monthly supplements, $600 yearly support for feeding, transport and books, a $250 warm clothing allowance, $200 for health insurance, a $60,000 take-off grant, and fully arranged travel. A 2022 award letter reaffirmed the same commitments.
Wuyep added that unstable exchange rates in 2023 and 2024 led to partial disbursements, while the current 2025 fiscal year has yet to see any stipend payments at all.
“The delays have severely hindered students’ ability to cover basic living expenses, jeopardizing their health, safety, and academic performance.
“Outstanding arrears from 2023 and 2024 continue to accumulate, creating prolonged financial distress for the scholars,” the parents said.
Responding to their concerns, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by David Agada, warned that the prolonged delays could derail students’ academic focus and diminish morale. He assured participants that the committee’s findings would shape reforms to prevent similar issues going forward.
“A nation that sends its students abroad must be committed to funding them, guiding them, and protecting their dignity as an investment in the country’s future,” he said.
He emphasised that the committee will conduct a full review of the sources of delay, track the status of released scholarship funds, and enforce accountability to ensure the programme remains credible and effective.
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