Education
FG to Review Foreign Scholarships and Focus on Nigerian Schools
FG foreign scholarships are under review as the government prioritises funding for Nigerian tertiary institutions over overseas programmes already available locally
The Federal Government is reviewing its foreign scholarship and bilateral education arrangements to eliminate unnecessary expenditure and redirect resources towards strengthening Nigerian tertiary institutions, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has said.
Also read: UI Leads Nigerian Universities in 2026 Global Ranking
Alausa explained that the government could no longer justify using scarce public funds to send students abroad for programmes already offered in Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The aim is to build domestic capacity and secure better value for public money.
He recalled that shortly after taking office he received a proposal involving about 100,000 Nigerian students travelling to Morocco to study English-taught courses such as mass communication and journalism.
The plan raised concerns because the same courses are available in Nigeria and students would have spent their first year learning French.
“Number one, we have all those courses in Nigeria. And yet, number two, they were going to spend the first year learning French before they started the programme,” he said. Supporting such numbers abroad would cost millions that could instead help thousands of students at home.
The minister described the existing Bilateral Education Agreement as an inefficient use of resources. “So the Bilateral Education Agreement was not making sense, again, to us in government. It was a way to waste government funds. And this President will not waste any public funds.”
The review builds on an earlier decision to discontinue new government-funded awards under the bilateral programme while continuing support for students already enrolled until they complete their studies.
Foreign governments remain free to sponsor Nigerian students, but the Federal Government will be more selective about committing Nigerian public funds.
Alausa noted that the circumstances that once justified large-scale overseas scholarships have changed.
Two decades ago Nigeria lacked capacity in many fields. In the intervening years the country has developed substantial capacity across its tertiary institutions.
Also read: UI Leads Nigerian Universities in 2026 Global Ranking
The scholarship review forms part of wider education reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Dauda Lawal has distributed official vehicles to higher institutions to strengthen the capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of Zamfara State’s education system.
The distribution of the official vehicles was held on Friday at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the vehicles are institutional assets and operational tools to support administration, supervision, accreditation, official engagements, and other legitimate responsibilities of the benefiting institutions.
The statement noted that institutions and offices allocated brand-new vehicles are Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara.
Other beneficiaries are the College of Nursing & Midwifery, Gusau; the Teachers Service Board; the Senior Secondary School Board; Quality Assurance; ZACAS; and other State Government Public Institutions.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated that the initiative will increase the productivity of Zamfara State public office holders by providing reliable transportation, enabling them to deliver services more effectively and quickly.
He said, “It is important to emphasise that these vehicles are not personal entitlements for any office holder. They remain the property of the Zamfara State Government and must be used responsibly and strictly for official purposes.
“I expect institutions to be responsible for custody, deployment, maintenance, and documentation. Heads will be accountable for misuse, unauthorised use, or unnecessary deterioration of assets.
“As the government invests in education, we must foster a culture of maintenance and accountability. Public assets should provide value throughout their life. We must commit to higher standards of service, emphasising transparency and accountability.
“Our administration will continue to provide the infrastructure, equipment, and institutional support needed to improve higher education in Zamfara State. In return, we expect responsible leadership, prudent management, and measurable improvements in academic and administrative performance.”
Governor Lawal further congratulated the benefiting institutions and urged them to ensure that the vehicles serve the institutions, students, and the people of Zamfara State rather than individual interests.
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