Saraki keeps promise intervenes in plight of Nigerian students in Russia
In keeping to the promise made to Nigerian students studying in Russia, the Senate on Wednesday moved to tackle the non-payment of scholarship of Nigerian students in Russia.
The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki had promised Nigerian students on scholarship in Russia that he would intervene in the non-payment of their scholarship momey.
In a Motion, raised by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, the Senate raised alarm over the state of Nigerian scholars abroad.
The upper legislative chamber therefore directed all concerned agencies of government to meet with the Senate President to rectify the situation immediately.
Recall that while attending the Inter Parliarmentary Union Assembly (IPU) in Russia, Saraki met with Nigerian living in Russia including students.
After the meeting, the President of the Senate took to his twitter handle @Bukola Saraki to pledge that he would intervene in the matter.
The Senate also directed that the Nigerian amnesty programme must make payments to the Nigerian students in Russia that have not received their payments in over four years.
In his comment on the Motion, Saraki said: “This situation is very pathetic and it is also very serious and we must stand firm behind our students.
“I had the opportunity to meet with my counterpart from Russia, where they categorically told us that they are able to provide more scholarships for Nigerian students.
“Unfortunately, some that are given scholarships have not been paid in two years. Because, of this, some are now roaming the streets doing other illegal activities.
“The minimum figure is about $500 per student — it is not acceptable.
“We must address this. I promise you, next week, we will meet with the concerned MDAs and find a way to put this issue to an end for our students,” he said.
