The Federal Government will begin the verification of stranded scholars under the Bilateral Education Agreement scheme on May 3, 2025, according to a notice obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday.

The announcement comes a day after the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the Federal Government’s decision to discontinue the BEA scholarship, describing it as “a waste of resources.”

Alausa, however, clarified that current beneficiaries will be allowed to complete their studies but no new students will be admitted into the scheme.

Several scholars under the scheme, particularly those studying in Russia, Serbia, and other partner countries, have for the past two years lamented the government’s failure to pay their tuition fees and stipends, leaving many stranded and forced to rely on loans to survive.

A notice sent to affected scholars in Russia reads, “We’ve been officially informed that a Verification Exercise for all BEA Scholars in Russia will take place from May 3rd to May 9th, 2025, at the Nigerian Embassy, Moscow. Required documents include the official Verification Form (with an APEX passport photograph) and a school course registration slip or its equivalent.”

However, multiple scholars who spoke with The PUNCH expressed concern that the unpaid stipends might prevent them from travelling to Moscow for the verification.

One scholar, speaking anonymously, said, “We have scholars in far regions of Russia like Yakutsk, and one-way tickets cost over $200. That’s about $400 for a round trip just for verification. How can we afford that?”

Another scholar added, “Those in cities like Kazan need to spend over $100 for a round trip. Let the officials come to us, or at least schedule a virtual verification.”

Another respondent said, “We are living from hand to mouth. Where does the government expect us to get the money to travel to Moscow? The last time we received an allowance was in 2024.”

A fourth scholar noted that academic commitments also posed a challenge: “Some of us are starting exams in two weeks, with assessments still ongoing. Traveling to Moscow at this time is a burden.”

The students are calling for a more inclusive and realistic approach, including virtual verification or decentralised physical screenings across regions to ease the burden on already financially strained scholars. (The PUNCH)