FG Clarifies BEA Scholarship Status, Says 2026 Budget Inclusion Not Reinstatement

The Federal Government has clarified that the inclusion of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship in the 2026 national budget does not signal a reinstatement of the programme for new beneficiaries.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on April 30, 2026, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the budgetary provision stems from the 2025 fiscal framework, which had already been approved prior to the suspension of new BEA scholarship awards in April–May 2025.

According to the minister, existing budget lines such as the BEA scholarship were carried forward into the 2026 budget as part of standard roll-over procedures, noting that such allocations cannot be removed retroactively once approved.

He stressed that the presence of the BEA allocation in the 2026 budget is purely procedural and should not be interpreted as a policy reversal or the resumption of new scholarship awards.

The ministry further disclosed that any modification to the BEA budget line would require an approved virement process to ensure alignment with current government policy.

It, however, reassured that all ongoing beneficiaries of the BEA scholarship studying abroad will continue to receive full government support.

The ministry urged the public to disregard misleading interpretations, reiterating its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of public resources.

The statement was signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.