Parents of Nigerian students on government-sponsored scholarships staged a protest outside the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, demanding immediate payment of overdue allowances. The demonstrators blocked the ministry’s entrance, highlighting the growing frustration over the prolonged delays in stipend disbursements.
The protesting parents claimed that their children, enrolled under various bilateral education agreements and scholarship schemes, have not received their allowances for 16 months. An additional eight months of unpaid stipends remains unresolved, compounding financial difficulties for the students studying abroad.
According to witnesses, the protest was peaceful but highly visible, drawing the attention of ministry officials who engaged briefly with the demonstrators. Parents called on the federal government to prioritise the welfare of students and ensure timely release of funds.
Many students have reportedly struggled to meet basic living costs, including rent, tuition top-ups, and daily expenses, due to the long-standing payment delays. Some parents said their children have resorted to part-time work or financial assistance from friends to cope with the funding gap.
The protest highlights wider concerns about government scholarship management, particularly regarding accountability, transparency, and the timeliness of financial support for Nigerian students studying abroad. Activists argue that prolonged delays could undermine the effectiveness of these scholarship programs.
Officials from the Finance Ministry have yet to issue a public statement addressing the protest or the timeline for resolving the outstanding payments. Observers warn that failure to act swiftly could escalate tensions and invite broader demonstrations from affected families nationwide.
Parents and advocacy groups have called for immediate intervention by the federal government, urging the release of arrears and assurances that future scholarships will be disbursed promptly to avoid jeopardising students’ education and wellbeing.
