The Federal Government of Nigeria has reduced the allowances for Nigerian students studying in Moscow, Russia, due to ongoing economic challenges. This decision was announced in a letter dated July 23, 2024, issued to the scholars’ association by the Federal Scholarship Board under the Federal Ministry of Education.
The letter, signed by Ndajiwo H.A., the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, is titled, “FG slashes allowances of Nigerian foreign scholars over hardship.”
The reductions are as follows:
– **Monthly Allowance**: Reduced from $500 to $220
– **Graduation Allowance**: Reduced from $2,500 to $2,000
– **Postgraduate Research Allowance**: Reduced from $1,000 to $500
Previously, each student was paid $5,650, but with the new adjustments, they will receive $4,370 per scholar. However, allowances for health insurance ($200), pilot allowance ($700), and medical allowance ($500) remain unchanged.
The letter states, “The Scholars’ Association is hereby notified that due to the prevailing economic situation, the payment mandate for the BEA scholars’ allowances will be as per the new adjustment.” It also mentions that the balances for the years 2023 and 2024 owed to scholars will be paid as soon as funds are available.
This situation has left students facing significant financial strain, as they have reportedly not been paid for nearly eight months. The scholars, studying under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship, are stranded due to the delay in receiving funds.
In November 2023, about 179 Nigerians were awarded scholarships to study different programs in Russia. The recent cuts have added to the financial difficulties these students are already enduring.