Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has insisted that nothing will deter the government from paying arrears owed Nigerian students sent overseas on scholarships by various government agencies.

The Senate President, on Wednesday met with representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) responsible for the welfare of Nigerian Students on scholarships abroad who are now stranded due to non-payment of their living allowances and tuition fees by relevant government agencies.

At the meeting, he directed the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) to present a comprehensive report of all Nigerian students on scholarship abroad and their outstanding entitlements to the relevant committees of the Senate to enable the Senate make Appropriations for their settlement.

Additionally, he also called for a comprehensive review of all scholarship policies in the country — through oversight — in order save Nigeria from future embarrassment.

“All concerned parties must realize that we have sent many of our best and brightest minds abroad, hence, we must be able to solve this problem of non-payment of scholarships here at home.

Moving forward, we cannot allow bureaucracy, bottle necks, or anything to stop us from paying our students scholarships.” Dr Saraki was quoted saying via his Facebook page.