Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement are facing severe hardship due to unpaid stipends, leading them to appeal to the federal government for urgent intervention. These scholars, enrolled in countries like Russia, Morocco, China, and Hungary, have endured financial strain for the past six to eight months due to delayed stipend payments.
The coalition of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Student Association, representing these students, highlighted the dire consequences of the delayed stipends. Many students have struggled to cover basic expenses such as housing, electricity, internet bills, transportation, and food. Some have faced eviction, while others have fallen ill due to hunger, requiring urgent medical attention.
The students are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the prompt payment of their stipends. They emphasize the importance of these stipends, especially in countries like Morocco, where adequate provisions for school hostels are lacking. The prolonged delay has also affected students in Russia, increasing their cost of living and diverting their focus from academic excellence.
Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, the students receive insufficient support from their parents and are restricted from employment in their host countries. They urge the Nigerian government to prioritize their welfare, recognizing them as the future of the country. The students express confidence in President Tinubu's leadership and appeal for swift action to resolve the issue, allowing them to focus on their studies without financial strain.
