Imagine pouring billions into talent, only to watch it walk away. That’s the reality Nigeria faces, as 85% of students sent abroad on public scholarships never return. In response, the federal government has announced it will end its decades-old foreign scholarship scheme in 2025. Instead, it's turning focus and funds toward building local capacity - a move that reveals both the cost of brain drain and a bold attempt to reshape national education priorities.
The government says funding individuals to study abroad is no longer sustainable or impactful. With the BEA scheme ending in 2025, attention is shifting to revitalising Nigeria’s academic institutions.
Key Takeaways
- 85% of foreign-sponsored Nigerian students reportedly do not return after their studies
- The Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship will end after 2025
- The government will invest in 28 Centres of Excellence within Nigeria
- Local scholarships will expand to benefit more students
- TETFund reform will prioritise larger institutions with measurable outputs
