Tinubu Government Slashes Allowances For Foreign Scholars In Russia, Morocco, Algeria

The Nigerian government has decided to slash allowances for foreign scholars, who are currently stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among others.

It would be recalled that some of these scholars have been owed for several months.

The scholars’ allowances and promises to pay the outstanding owed were contained in a memo signed by the Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Ndajiwo H.A., on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

It was noted that after due consultations the Federal Scholarship Board has come up with adjustments in line with budgetary provisions in the payment of BEA scholar’s supplementation allowances for the 2024 academic year,” a memo, dated July 23, 2024, and addressed to the scholars’ association, read.

Speaking to PUNCH, one of the leaders of the scholars’ association in Russia, Ronald Donald, noted that the scholars were aware that a payment mandate had been sent to the various embassies.

“FSB sent the payment mandate to the embassies two weeks ago. The President from Algeria saw it; the mandate only carried payment for the readjusted amount (the $220). An Attaché of the Russian embassy told me in a phone call that the embassy got the mandate.”

Another scholar, who confirmed the development anonymously said, “Yes, the FSB noted that the mandate for the payment has been sent, so it’s just for the CBN to release the money. We are hopeful.”