Atiku Accuses Tinubu Govt of Abandoning Nigerian Students Abroad
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of abandoning Nigerian students studying overseas under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), warning that the alleged breach has left about 1,600 young Nigerians stranded abroad and deprived of critical government support.
In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku said the Tinubu-led government had failed to meet its obligations to Nigerian scholars sponsored to study in countries such as China, Russia, Morocco, Algeria, Hungary and others under the long-standing BEA programme. He described the situation as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” noting that many affected students are reportedly struggling with unpaid tuition fees, accommodation costs and basic welfare needs.
According to Atiku, the alleged neglect has forced some students into desperate conditions, with reports of evictions from hostels, inability to pay for medical care, and mounting pressure from foreign institutions over outstanding fees. He warned that the situation risks damaging Nigeria’s international reputation and undermining confidence in government-backed educational programmes.
The former vice president called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene by clearing outstanding obligations, restoring stipends, and engaging host countries to protect the welfare of Nigerian students. He stressed that education remains a vital investment and that abandoning students midstream contradicts national development goals.
Atiku also urged transparency from the government, asking it to clearly state the status of the BEA scheme and outline concrete steps being taken to resolve the crisis. He appealed to parents, civil society groups and lawmakers to lend their voices to ensure that the affected students are not left to “suffer in silence” far from home.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
