The Arewa Defence League (ADL) has publicly condemned the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for its alleged failure to act on the plight of Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship recipients facing abandonment abroad.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the ADL described the government’s silence as “unacceptable,” asserting that scores of Nigerian scholars studying overseas through BEA programmes have been left without support, funding, or diplomatic assistance. The group accused the presidency of neglecting a key national educational obligation that impacts Nigeria’s international commitments and the welfare of its students.
Leaders of the ADL argued that the government’s inaction undermines Nigeria’s credibility with partner nations and jeopardises future bilateral scholarship arrangements. They called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Education to intervene immediately, coordinate with host countries, and ensure that Nigerian scholars receive due stipends, accommodation support, and safe repatriation where necessary.
The group also urged President Tinubu to break his silence and provide clear directives on a sustainable framework to support BEA scholars, warning that failure to act could damage Nigeria’s reputation and discourage future academic exchange opportunities.
