Nigerian students studying in Russia under a bilateral scholarship programme have accused the federal government of abandoning them, saying they have not received stipends for months and are now struggling to survive.
In a recent video that has gone viral on social media, the students appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene.
One of the students, who identified himself as a fifth-year medical student in Rostov, said they were sent to Russia under an agreement between both countries but have since been left stranded.
“We were duly sent here by the Nigerian government under the bilateral educational agreement, and since then we’ve been left stranded,” he said.
He said the situation has pushed many students into hardship, forcing some into menial jobs.
“We have been forced into abject poverty, sending boys into construction sites and our girls into forced prostitution,” he added.
The student said the last payment they received from the government was in September 2024.
“Until date, we haven’t received a dime. We are hungry, sincerely hungry,” he said.
He questioned how students are expected to focus on their studies under such conditions.
“How do you expect scholars with distinctions to study with empty stomachs? This is unacceptable,” he said.
The students said the situation has brought embarrassment and hardship, urging authorities to act quickly.
“We can’t continue to be in shame in another man’s land. We are begging the authorities to come to our aid,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the federal government has not responded to the claims.
