Save Nigerian Scholars Suffering In Morocco, NANS Appeals To Tinubu

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the alleged abandonment of Nigerian students on government scholarships in Morocco.

The association, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by the Vice President, External Affairs, Comrade Kenechukwu Aneke, lamented that students, who were sent abroad under scholarship programmes with allocated budgets, have been left to fend for themselves, resulting in dehumanising conditions where they are forced to beg for money to feed themselves.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the umbrella body representing millions of Nigerian students at home and in the Diaspora, is deeply alarmed and outraged by the heartbreaking situation of Nigerian students on government-sponsored scholarships in Morocco, as highlighted in a widely circulated video exposing their abandonment and extreme hardship.

“These students, sent abroad under scholarship programmes with allocated budgets, have been left to fend for themselves without adequate support, resulting in dehumanising conditions where they are forced to beg for money nightly to feed themselves. Tragically, one of the students, Bashir Malami, has reportedly died under these circumstances—a loss that underscores the grave consequences of neglect and administrative failure,” he said.

NANS noted that this was a blatant betrayal of trust by the relevant authorities, including the office responsible for overseas scholarships under the Federal Ministry of Education.

The association demands immediate repatriation and welfare support for all affected students, a full investigation into the mismanagement of scholarship funds, and accountability for those responsible.

“We categorically condemn this neglect and call the immediate attention of President Bola Tinubu, as the leader of the nation, the Minister of Education, the Federal Scholarship Board, and all relevant government agencies to the plight of these stranded students.

“NANS demands immediate and decisive action, including: Urgent repatriation and welfare support for all affected students in Morocco and any other countries facing similar issues. Full investigation into the mismanagement of scholarship funds and accountability for those responsible.

“Release of all outstanding stipends, accommodations, and allowances without further delay, and comprehensive review and reform of the overseas scholarship programme to prevent future occurrences.

“The education and welfare of Nigerian students, whether at home or abroad, must not be treated with levity. The government has a sacred duty to protect its citizens, especially those it has sent abroad on national assignments.

“NANS stands in solidarity with these suffering students and their families. We will not relent until justice is served and their dignity is restored. We urge the public, media, and civil society to amplify this call for action,” he said.

The Federal Government had dismissed claims that Nigerian students in Morocco were abandoned, stating that all valid beneficiaries received payments up to 2024.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa explained that the decision to discontinue government-funded bilateral scholarships abroad followed a comprehensive policy review, which showed that Nigeria now has sufficient capacity to deliver similar programmes locally.

The government has offered students already enrolled under previous arrangements continued support and the option to return to Nigeria, with reintegration into tertiary institutions and coverage of return travel costs.

However, NANS insists that the government must take responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, especially those sent abroad on national assignments.