The Federal Ministry of Education has officially moved to quell rising speculation regarding the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship, clarifying that its appearance in the 2026 national budget does not signify a reinstatement of the program for new applicants.
Procedural Roll-Over, Not Policy Reversal
The ministry addressed public inquiries following the discovery of the BEA allocation in the latest fiscal cycle. Officials explained that the inclusion is a procedural artifact of the 2025 budget, which was finalized and approved prior to the government’s decision to suspend new scholarship awards between April and May 2025.
According to the ministry, standard budgetary protocols prevent the retroactive removal of these lines, leading to their automatic appearance in the subsequent year’s framework.
The Minister’s Position
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, emphasized that the 2026 budget is largely a roll-over of the 2025 fiscal framework. He maintained that carrying forward existing budget lines is standard practice and should not be misinterpreted as a change in government policy.
“The presence of the allocation is purely procedural and does not signal the resumption of new scholarship awards,” Dr. Alausa stated. “Any adjustments to the BEA budget line can only be made through an approved virement to align with current government policies.”
Support for Existing Scholars
While new awards remain suspended, the government offered reassurances to students currently enrolled in programs overseas. The Ministry confirmed that all current BEA beneficiaries studying abroad will continue to receive full government support until the completion of their tenures.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, urged the public to disregard misleading interpretations of the budget. The Ministry reaffirmed its focus on transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management as it streamlines educational funding.
