The Federal Government has firmly dismissed circulating reports alleging the abandonment of Nigerian students studying in Morocco under a bilateral scholarship agreement. Education authorities have labeled these claims as misleading and designed to distort public perception of the government's commitment to its scholars.
Clarification on Payments and Policy Shift
In a detailed statement released on its official social media platforms, the Federal Ministry of Education, led by Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, provided clarity on the situation. The ministry confirmed that every legitimate beneficiary admitted into the Bilateral Education Scholarship programme before 2024 has received all due payments up to the approved 2024 budget cycle.
Any delays in processing were attributed to necessary fiscal adjustments, which are currently being resolved through ongoing engagements between the education and finance ministries. The government emphasized that no student with a valid claim was left without support.
End of New Awards and Focus on Local Institutions
A significant policy shift was also confirmed. Dr. Alausa stated that no fresh bilateral scholarship awards for Morocco have been issued from October 2025 onward. The ministry warned the public that documents circulating online suggesting otherwise are unauthenticated and part of a campaign to discredit government policy.
This decision followed a comprehensive policy assessment which concluded that Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education now possess the capacity to deliver similar high-quality academic programmes domestically. The move is aligned with broader efforts to reduce avoidable public expenditure and strengthen local tertiary institutions.
Under the new framework, only scholarships fully sponsored by foreign governments will continue, with host countries bearing the complete financial responsibility.
Continued Support and Reintegration Options
The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to students already enrolled under previous agreements. These existing beneficiaries will continue to receive full government support until they successfully complete their studies.
Furthermore, a compassionate exit pathway has been established. Students who, for any reason, choose to discontinue their studies under the overseas programme may formally apply for reintegration into Nigerian tertiary institutions of their choice. Authorities confirmed that return travel expenses will be covered by the government to ensure a smooth transition back home, thereby protecting students from academic disruption.
Reforms for Transparency and Accountability
The ministry highlighted that ongoing reforms within the scholarship administration system are focused on eliminating inefficiencies and past abuses. The practice of sponsoring overseas training for programmes readily available in Nigeria was identified as placing an unnecessary strain on public resources.
The reform measures aim to:
- Improve accountability and financial discipline.
- Ensure public funds are directed toward sustainable national development goals.
- Safeguard against misinformation campaigns that undermine public confidence.
Government representatives affirmed their continued dedication to the welfare of all Nigerian students and strongly rejected any attempts to misrepresent official policy or create undue public anxiety.
