Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement , BEA, have appealed to the federal government to address the pressing issue of unpaid stipends, which has resulted in severe hardship.
Nigerian scholars studying abroad in countries like Russia, Morocco, Algeria, China, Hungary, and others have faced financial strain due to delays in receiving their stipends for the past six to eight months. They have reached out to their umbrella body, the coalition of all the Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Student Association, seeking intervention.
The students highlighted that there has been a shortfall in payments, with some not receiving stipends since April and May 2023. They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address this issue and ensure the prompt payment of their stipends to alleviate their financial difficulties.
The delay in stipend disbursement has resulted in dire consequences for Nigerian scholars studying abroad, particularly those residing in countries like Morocco, where adequate provisions for school hostels are lacking compared to other sister BEA countries.
Stipends are essential for covering basic expenses such as housing, electricity bills, handouts, internet bills, water bills, transportation, and food.
Unfortunately, some students have faced eviction as they struggled to meet rent payments, while others have fallen ill due to hunger, requiring urgent medical attention. These hardships persist amidst the ongoing delay in stipend disbursement, exacerbating the challenges faced by Nigerian scholars studying abroad. Immediate intervention is needed to address these pressing issues and alleviate the suffering of the affected students.
The prolonged delay in stipend disbursement has intensified the financial challenges faced by Nigerian students in Russia. The increased cost of living has compounded the situation, placing additional strain on students who are already grappling with academic stress. Many students are now struggling to cope with the financial burdens, diverting their focus from their primary goal of academic excellence. Urgent action is needed to address the delay in stipend disbursement and alleviate the financial pressure on Nigerian students studying in Russia.
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The appeal from Nigerian scholars studying abroad underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to address the financial plight of its students. These scholars, facing insufficient support from their families and restrictions on employment, are struggling to meet basic needs due to delays in stipend disbursement.
As future leaders of the nation, these students represent the hope and aspirations of Nigeria. It is imperative for the government to prioritize their welfare, especially during these challenging economic times. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, revered as a father figure and a visionary in education, is called upon to intervene and expedite the disbursement of stipends to alleviate the hardships faced by these scholars.
The appeal expresses confidence in President Tinubu’s compassionate leadership and calls for swift action to resolve the issue, allowing students to focus on their academic pursuits without financial burdens.
The Nigerian Bilateral Educational Agreement Student Association remains committed to engaging with relevant authorities to find equitable solutions to this pressing issue and ensure the welfare of Nigerian scholars abroad.
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