Tinubu Slashes Allowances of Nigerian Students on Scholarship Abroad, Gives Reason
- President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced a reduction in the allowances of Nigerian students on scholarship abroad
- The government disclosed that the development was due to the economic crises the country is facing
- It was earlier reported that Nigerian students in countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary have not received their stipends for over eight months
President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has announced a 12.7% reduction in allowances for foreign scholars studying under the Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the reduction became imperative amid the economic crises currently facing Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
The Punch reported that scholars studying in countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, and Hungary have not received their stipends for eight months.
What is Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship?
The Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship is a programme for education exchange between Nigeria and partnering countries.
The Federal Scholarship Board, under the Federal Ministry of Education, supervises the scholarship.
A memo from the director of the Federal Scholarship Board announced the reduction in allowances.
The monthly allowance has been reduced from $500 to $220, and the graduation allowance from $2500 to $2000.
The postgraduate (PG) research allowance has also been reduced from $1,000 to $500, and the total payment per student has been reduced from $5,650 to $4,370.
Why Tinubu slashed allowances of Nigerian students
The ministry attributed the reduction to the prevailing economic situation and promised to pay the balances owed to scholars as soon as funds were available.
There has been an increase in the cost of living in the country since Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic measures.
The scholars have reportedly been facing financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends, with some students in China not receiving any stipends since April and May 2023.
The scholars have reportedly been facing financial strain due to the delay in receiving their stipends. It is understood that some students in China have not received any stipends since April and May 2023.
Tension in Tinubu's cabinet over hunger protest
Legit.ng earlier reported that Tinubu's government is under pressure over the planned nationwide protest against the high cost of living in the country.
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, recently called for an emergency meeting with ministers, special advisers and former ministers to stop the protest.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay Informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Legit.ng
