By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has announced the suspension of government-funded scholarships to the United States and Canada beginning in 2026, citing unsustainable education costs and a lack of student return after graduation. The announcement was made during a recent engagement with members of the Gabonese diaspora and has since been confirmed by multiple Gabonese media outlets, including Gabon Media Time and GabonClic.info.

“For 2026, there will be no scholarships for the United States, Canada, because studies there are expensive. And those who go there never come back,” President Oligui stated during his address. He criticized the current policy as a “useless investment,” arguing that the state sees little return when students settle abroad after completing their education.

Instead, the government plans to redirect scholarship funding toward countries with more affordable education systems and stronger track records of repatriation. Priority destinations reportedly include African nations such as Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco, where academic ties are being strengthened and return rates among graduates remain higher.

The decision is part of a broader reform agenda under Oligui’s transitional administration, which has emphasized fiscal responsibility, national sovereignty, and a drive to reinvest in local development. Gabon’s scholarship program has faced growing scrutiny due to late payments, unclear beneficiary tracking, and mounting foreign tuition bills—especially in the wake of global economic shifts and rising inflation in Western countries.

While the announcement has drawn praise from some quarters for aligning with national priorities, critics warn it may limit academic opportunities and isolate Gabonese students from advanced research institutions in North America. Advocacy groups are also calling on the government to ensure the quality and international competitiveness of alternative academic destinations.