FG Repudiates Claims Nigerian Students Abandoned in Morocco
FG Repudiates Claims Nigerian Students Abandoned in Morocco
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially dismissed reports claiming that Nigerian students on bilateral scholarships in Morocco have been abandoned.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government labeled these allegations as false and misleading. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, clarified that no student currently enrolled under a valid Federal Government scholarship has been left without support, emphasizing that the ministry remains committed to their welfare.
Addressing the issue of unpaid stipends, the ministry stated that students enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship (BES) Programme prior to 2024 have been paid up to the 2024 budget cycle. While acknowledging some delays, the government attributed them to fiscal constraints and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
The Ministry of Education confirmed it is working closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that all outstanding payments are processed and that students receive their allowances.
The government’s response follows a viral video shared by activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, which depicted students in Morocco complaining of extreme hardship, homelessness, and a lack of medical care.
The Ministry countered these claims by warning the public about fake scholarship award documents circulating online.
They clarified that no new awards were issued in October 2025 as the documents suggested, and characterized the viral reports as an attempt to cause public disaffection.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted a significant policy shift, noting that the government has discontinued funding for foreign scholarships for courses that can be adequately taught in Nigerian universities.
This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen local tertiary institutions and optimize national resources.
The government maintains that it will focus its international scholarship efforts only on specialized fields where local capacity is currently lacking.
For students who find it difficult to cope with the current economic realities abroad, the government has offered an exit strategy.
The Ministry stated that any student wishing to discontinue their studies in Morocco can apply for repatriation. The Federal Government pledged to cover their return travel costs and ensure they are seamlessly reintegrated into Nigerian tertiary institutions of their choice to complete their education.
