The Federal Government on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), labeling it a “waste of resources.” This decision comes amid complaints from past beneficiaries who accused the government of abandonment. The BEA Programme, rooted in diplomatic partnerships, had enabled Nigerian students to pursue studies in countries like China, Russia, Algeria, Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, and Serbia. The government recently clarified that all outstanding allowances for Nigerian scholars under the scheme had been settled through December 2024. During a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Alausa revealed that the government plans to redirect the funds toward local scholarship initiatives to reach a broader population of students nationwide. “2024, when I assumed office, I was asked to approve N650 million for 60 students going to Morocco under the BEA programme. I refused. It’s not fair to Nigerian students. “I reviewed the courses—some students went to Algeria, a French-speaking country, to study English, Psychology, and Sociology—courses we teach better in Nigeria. “By the end of 2024, all outstanding scholarships will be cleared. The 2025 scholarships are pending due to the budget appropriation process. They will be paid in the coming months. However, we will not continue the programme beyond 2025,” the minister said. Alausa criticised the lack of academic monitoring, noting that the government covers free annual travel for scholars without tracking their performance. “In 2025 alone, the government planned to spend N9 billion on just 1,200 students. It’s unjust to spend such a huge amount sending students abroad to study courses available locally while millions of Nigerian students receive no support,” he stated. He added, “We have evaluated every course these 1,200 students are studying abroad—every single one is available in Nigerian universities. We are cancelling the BEA. It is not the best use of public funds. “That money will now be used to fund local scholarships and support more students.” The minister assured all that current BEA beneficiaries would be allowed to complete their programmes, but no new admissions would be accepted under the arrangement from 2025 onward.