More than 70 Nigerians are to pursue undergraduate and post-graduate studies under the 2013/2014 Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) with Russia and China.
Chief Nyesom Wike, the Supervising Minister of Education, announced this in Abuja at a pre-departure briefing and orientation programme organised by the ministry for the beneficiaries.
Wike said that 66 of the beneficiaries would go to Russia for their undergraduate studies, while seven would head to China for their postgraduate courses.
"Be of good ambassadors of Nigeria. Work hard because there is no provision for extension of the programme for any reason.
"If you exceed the number of years approved, you are on your own," he said.
Wike said that tuition fees, accommodation and little stipend would be provided by the donor countries, while the Federal Government would provide $6,000 to augment feeding, local transportation, maintenance, equipment and books.
He said the government would also provide a warm clothing allowance of $250 dollars, a health insurance allowance of $200, and a take-off grant of $60 per annum for undergraduate and $100 per annum for postgraduate scholars.
The minister said a medical allowance of $500 per annum would be paid to students after their first year.
He said Nigeria also received scholarship offers for the current 2013/2014 academic sessions from Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Serbia, Mexico, Romania, Turkey, Cuba, Ukraine, Greece, Tunisia and Macedonia.
Wike said Nigeria had continued to reciprocate the gesture by offering scholarship to interested students from countries like China, Romania, Cuba and Sierra-Leone.
Dr Mac John Nwaobiala, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the beneficiaries should count themselves lucky and should not misuse the opportunity.
He also urged them to be patriotic enough to return to Nigeria on completion of their studies to contribute to national development.
Nwaobiala assured the beneficiaries that the government would endeavour to meet its obligations throughout the period.
Earlier, the Director, Federal Scholarship Board, Ms Ifeoma Agunwa, expressed appreciation to government for providing the enabling environment for the Board to function.
Mr Godfrey Iyalomhe and Miss Adewumi Olujimi, responding on behalf of parents and the beneficiaries thanked the government for the gesture, and promised that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
Source: NAN
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