Gabon to Suspend Scholarships for US, Canada from 2026

Libreville, Gabon – Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has announced that the nation will suspend government scholarships for students pursuing studies in the United States and Canada, effective 2026. The decision stems from concerns over the high cost of education in these Western nations and a perceived low return on investment, as many scholarship recipients reportedly do not return to Gabon after completing their studies.

President Nguema, according to sources, views the inability of these students to return home as rendering the scholarship investment “useless.” This strategic shift aims to re-evaluate the efficacy of the national scholarship program.

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While scholarships to the U.S. and Canada are set to cease, the Gabonese government will continue to provide financial support for students opting to study in Ghana, Morocco, and Senegal. This move indicates a pivot towards regional academic hubs, potentially offering more affordable educational opportunities and fostering closer ties within the African continent.