Nigerian students studying in Russia under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Education Agreement have raised alarm over what they describe as abandonment, following the prolonged delay in the payment of their allowances.
The affected students say they have been left stranded in a foreign country, with no financial support from home, despite being sent abroad through an official government scholarship scheme.
Under the agreement, the Russian government covers tuition fees. However, the Nigerian government is responsible for providing monthly stipends meant to cover feeding, accommodation, and other living expenses. The students say those payments stopped shortly after they arrived.
“We are Medical and Engineering students from Nigeria sent to study in Russia by the Nigerian government under the bilateral education agreement with Russia. But the Nigerian govt left us stranded since we got here. We’re now forced to do menial jobs to survive.”
Several of the students explained that the situation has forced many of them into difficult conditions. Some now take on low-paying jobs just to survive.
Others depend on support from fellow students or sympathetic locals. A number of them say they can no longer focus on their studies due to the hardship.
Initially, beneficiaries of the programme received about $500 monthly. But in 2024, the allowance was reduced to around $220 due to economic challenges back home. Even with the reduction, the payments have reportedly remained inconsistent, leaving many stranded.
The situation has raised serious concerns among parents and guardians in Nigeria. Many fear their children may be forced to drop out if the issue is not urgently addressed. Some have called on the Federal Government to intervene immediately and release the outstanding funds.
Critics have also questioned the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad. They argue that sending students overseas without sustaining their support system reflects poor planning and neglect.
There is further confusion over the future of the programme. While reports indicate that the Bilateral Education Agreement scheme was discontinued for new applicants in April 2025, provisions were still made in the 2026 budget for about 300 new scholarships. This has sparked criticism, as over 1,600 existing students across different countries are still struggling with unpaid allowances.
Education stakeholders have urged the government to prioritise students already enrolled in the programme before committing to new beneficiaries. They warn that failure to act could damage Nigeria’s credibility in international education partnerships.
For now, the affected students say they feel forgotten. Many are calling on the authorities to act quickly before their academic dreams are cut short.
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