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Parents Urge Tinubu’s Intervention for Nigerian Scholars in Russia
Parents Urge Tinubu’s Intervention for Nigerian Scholars in Russia
Parents are pleading with President Bola Tinubu for help as the situation of Nigerian scholars studying in Russia has taken a terrible turn. The students, who are enrolled under the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB)-managed Bilateral Education Agreement, have been facing a nine-month wait for their monthly stipends.
The financial support provided to these scholars comprises allowances from both the Nigerian and Russian governments. While the Russian authorities have been fulfilling their commitments by covering tuition fees and accommodation expenses, the Nigerian government’s portion, intended for sustenance and other living costs, has not been disbursed since June 2023.
A confidential source within the Nigerian Scholarship Board shed light on the situation, attributing the delay in payment to bureaucratic hurdles exacerbated by recent management changes and the devaluation of the naira. The source revealed that the disbursement process had progressed to the final stage at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), awaiting clearance contingent on a supplementary budget to offset currency fluctuations.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the CBN spokesperson, Hakama Sidi Ali, were met with silence and unresponsiveness, leaving concerned stakeholders in limbo. Speaking on behalf of the parents’ group, Mr. Kola Benson expressed grave concern about the financial hardship that many families have experienced as a result of the sudden suspension of allowances, which has left many of them depending on outside funding to support their children’s education.
The parents’ impassioned plea to President Tinubu underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the detrimental impact of financial instability on the students’ academic pursuits and overall well-being. With the economic challenges in Nigeria compounding the predicament, families find themselves grappling with limited resources and mounting pressures, amplifying the students’ distress.
The precarious circumstances faced by over 2,500 Nigerian scholars spread across various Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Belgorod, Rostov, Voronezh, Kursk, and Samara, underscore the magnitude of the crisis. As the students navigate the complexities of studying abroad, the absence of critical financial support threatens to derail their academic aspirations and jeopardize their futures.
In light of these compelling circumstances, the appeal to President Tinubu represents a plea for swift intervention to avert a looming humanitarian crisis among Nigerian scholars in Russia. Urgent action is imperative to alleviate the financial strain on families, safeguard the students’ academic pursuits, and uphold Nigeria’s commitment to supporting its scholars abroad.
The collaborative efforts of government agencies, educational institutions, and concerned stakeholders are vital in resolving the impasse and ensuring the timely disbursement of allowances to sustain the students’ educational journey. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, solidarity and proactive measures are essential to safeguard the welfare and academic progress of Nigerian scholars abroad.
In conclusion, the call for President Tinubu’s intervention serves as a clarion call to address the pressing needs of Nigerian scholars in Russia and uphold the nation’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Time is of the essence, and concerted efforts are required to alleviate the hardships faced by these students and their families, ensuring a brighter future for all stakeholders involved.
