The Director in charge of Scholarship at the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) said N2.4 Billion is owed Nigerian scholars abroad by the Board due to inadequate or lack of budgetary provisions.
Fatima Ahmad said there was an outstanding scholarship allowance to the tune of N799.8 million, in 2015 and 2016, out of which Ñ444.2 million has been paid, leaving a balance of Ñ355.6million.
Ahmad made the disclosure at a special meeting held between the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the welfare of Nigerian Students on scholarships abroad.
The students are now stranded due to non-payment of their living allowances and tuition fees by relevant government agencies.
The Senate in plenary had mandated the President of the Senate to intervene and know why Nigerian students on scholarships in foreign countries are yet to be paid their scholarship funds.
Saraki at the meeting on Wednesday which was attended by the Senate Leader, Deputy Senate Leader, Chairman Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFUND and other Senators directed the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) to urgently present a comprehensive report of all Nigerian students on scholarship abroad and their outstanding entitlements to the relevant committees of the Senate to enable the Senate make Appropriations for their settlement.
While saying that the Senate committees after due consideration of of the reports would make recommendations to the Senate on how to clear the backlogs through appropriation, he called for a comprehensive review of scholarship policies in the country so as to save the nation from future embarrassment.
NAN
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