More Trouble For Nigerian Scholars Abroad As FG Reduces Monthly Stipend By 56%

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

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More Trouble For Nigerian Scholars Abroad As FG Reduces Monthly Stipend By 56%—-The Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) has announced a significant reduction in the monthly supplementation allowance for beneficiaries of its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) with foreign countries, cutting it by 56 percent.

Nigeria’s BEA scheme, a student exchange programmr, includes partnerships with various countries in Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Notable countries involved in this agreement include Russia, China, Hungary, Morocco, Venezuela, and Algeria.

These host countries typically provide annual scholarship slots to the FSB, which then nominates eligible Nigerian students based on merit.

While the host countries cover tuition and housing, Nigeria contributes a yearly allowance of $200 for health insurance, $500 for medical expenses, and a monthly stipend of $500 for nutrition, books, equipment, and transport.

Recently, Nigeria defaulted on paying the $500 monthly stipend for a full year, leaving many students stranded abroad. This issue prompted the National of Assembly to summon the Education Minister for an inquiry, but the stipends remain unpaid as of now.

In a letter dated July 23, the FSB announced a reduction of the monthly allowance for BEA students to $220, down from $500. This letter was signed by Astra Ndajiwo, the director of the board.

In 2023, there were at least 1,532 active BEA beneficiaries, and N6.8 billion was allocated for these scholarships in 2024, based on an exchange rate of N800/USD. However, the exchange rate has since risen to over N1,600, creating a financial shortfall that the federal government has yet to address.

The FSB explained that the reduction was necessary due to the unfavorable domestic exchange rate, which has made it challenging to maintain the original stipend amounts as specified in the award letters given to students.

“The prevailing situation concerning the domestic exchange rate in Nigeria makes it difficult to sustain the payment of BEA allowances as contained in the award letters issued at the point of departure,” the FSB said.

Ndajiwo assured that the stipends for 2023 and 2024 would be paid once the funds are made available by the federal government.

According to a report by The Cable, the additional challenges faced by Nigerian BEA students, include limited student lodging options at destination universities.

Many students are forced to rent apartments for $200 to $300 per month, significantly depleting their stipends. Some resort to squatting with foreign nationals, working menial jobs, seeking aid from non-profits, or even begging for alms to survive.

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Watch Moment Shettima, Olowu Reunite At Buratai’s Daughter Wedding [VIDEO]

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19 hours ago

July 26, 2026

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Watch Moment Shettima, Olowu Reunite At Buratai’s Daughter Wedding [VIDEO]

” I want to recognise and appreciate all our royal fathers present here, but I wish to single out my friend, His Royal Majesty Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun iii.

He has been my friend for over thirty years ago in my domain here.

I wonder how he navigated his way back to Osun and become a Chief”, above were the words of Vice President Kashim Shettima upon sighting Kabiyesi at the wedding fathiha of the daughter of former chief of army staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai rtd @ Snake Farm, Keffi, Nasarawa State at the weekend

Watch the moment below:

https://www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/WhatsApp-Video-2026-07-26-at-10.45.46.mp4?_=1

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

Published

1 week ago

July 17, 2026

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EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics And Research Centre Secures ReAccreditation To ISO 15189:2022

EL-Lab, a leading Medical diagnostic centre in Lagos earns renewed Accreditation from the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS), affirming its continued technical competence in medical laboratory testing.

A medical diagnostic centre with branches across Lagos, EL-Lab is the First Indigenous medical laboratory in Nigeria to attain the ISO 15189 status in Nigeria ten years ago. Till date, Nigeria may have less than 50 medical laboratories in both public and private categories to meet this standard.

EL-LAB has maintained this accreditation status for ten (10) years and currently holds this qualification from two (2) accreditation bodies in Nigeria, namely Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS)

This achievement of reaccreditation and transition to ISO 15189:2022 for Medical testing, following a rigorous reassessment by Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) confirms that EL-Lab continues to meet the requirements of ISO 15189:2022, the internationally recognised standard governing quality and competence in medical laboratories. It sets out requirements covering everything from sample handling and testing procedures to staff competence and quality management, giving patients, clinicians, and partner institutions confidence in the accuracy and reliability of results.

For a medical diagnostic laboratory, reaccreditation is no small feat. It requires laboratories to demonstrate, through an independent and thorough assessment, that its systems, processes, and personnel consistently deliver results in line with international best practice. NiNAS, as Nigeria’s national accreditation body, conducts these assessments to ensure that accredited laboratories maintain the standards necessary for both local and global recognition.

By retaining this accreditation, EL Lab reinforces its position as a trusted provider of medical testing services within Lagos and the broader Nigerian healthcare system.

Speaking on this, the Managing Director of EL-Lab, Dr Elochukwu Adibo mni said; “This achievement reflects the laboratory’s commitment to quality assurance, staff training, and process improvement, factors that lead to more reliable outcomes for patients and referring clinicians”.

For more information about EL-Lab Medical Diagnostics, visit their website: https://el-lab.org/

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