Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly denied reports suggesting that Nigerian students on scholarship in Morocco have been abandoned. The Ministry of Education has labeled these allegations as false and misleading.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the statement was issued in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, clarified that no Nigerian student holding a valid federal government scholarship has been neglected. Alausa affirmed that students under the Bilateral Education Scholarship Programme, enrolled before 2024, have received their entitlements for the 2024 budget year.
Alausa explained that any delays in outstanding payments are due to fiscal constraints and are being addressed through discussions between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance. He assured the students that the government remains committed to its obligations.
Furthermore, Alausa dismissed claims of new bilateral scholarship awards being granted in October 2025 or later, stating that any documents supporting such claims are fake. He described these documents as attempts to discredit government policy and mislead the public.
The Minister also noted that the federal government has stopped funding bilateral scholarships abroad after a policy review indicated that Nigerian tertiary institutions can offer the affected programs locally. Scholarships funded by foreign governments are still supported, with the host countries covering all financial obligations. However, the government remains committed to supporting students already enrolled under previous arrangements.
Alausa emphasized that students wishing to discontinue their studies abroad may return to Nigeria and will be reintegrated into suitable institutions. The government will cover their return travel costs. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to reforming the scholarship system to enhance transparency and prudent use of public funds.