BREAKING NEWS: Federal Ministry of Education Debunks Report on Return of BEA Scholars to Nigerian Universities

The Federal Ministry of Education has swiftly debunked a misleading press statement making rounds in the media, which falsely claims that the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, inaugurated a committee to facilitate the reintegration of Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholars into Nigerian universities.

In an official rebuttal issued today and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry described the circulating report as “false and misleading,” stating categorically that no such committee exists and no reintegration plan is being considered for BEA scholars returning to Nigeria.

“The Ministry categorically states that no such committee was inaugurated, and no reintegration plan for BEA scholars is in place,” the release read. “The public is advised to disregard this misinformation in its entirety.”

This clarification comes on the heels of the government’s earlier announcement on 7 May 2025, which officially declared the discontinuation of the BEA Scholarship Programme. The government noted that the decision was made as part of a strategic policy shift aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic tertiary education system.

According to the Ministry, courses previously studied abroad through the BEA are now not only widely available in Nigerian institutions but also offered with improved standards across the nation’s universities and polytechnics.

Despite the cancellation of the programme for future applicants, the Ministry reaffirmed its full commitment to all ongoing BEA scholars, ensuring they will continue to receive all approved entitlements, including tuition and stipends, until they complete their academic programmes abroad.

The Ministry has urged the public and media to verify information from its official communication channels and avoid spreading unsubstantiated reports that could mislead the public.