FG Attributes Slash in Allowances of Scholarship Students to FOREX Rates
The Federal Government has given clarification on the recent report in the media of a slash in the allowances of scholarship students abroad.
During a meeting with the Leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, explained it was only an adjustment in some of the allowances due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations.
“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.
“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.
“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.
“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said
The Federal Ministry of Education through the Federal Scholarship Board, in a letter, announced a reduction in the allowances of foreign students on scholarship in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among others under the Bilateral Education Agreement.
It attributed the decision to the prevailing economic crisis in the country.
Professor Mamman enumerated various government interventions and policies aimed at improving the education sector which included proposed stipend for unemployed graduates, Student loan, census of staff and students in higher institutions of learning to facilitate adequate planning.
The NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe while thanking the Minister for the forum, stressed the need for the government to quickly intervene and proffer solution to the high cost of living as it was biting hard on the people.
Comrade Emonefe stated the commitment of the Association to be law abiding and desist from activities inimical to national development.
PATIENCE OLUMATI
