Nigerian banks have resumed processing tuition fee payments for students studying abroad using the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Form A platform. This move offers timely relief to many families, easing the pressure of securing foreign exchange through unofficial and often costlier means.
Form A is a designated application portal provided by the CBN to facilitate payments for eligible services such as tuition, medical bills, and professional certification fees. Through this platform, Nigerians can apply to buy foreign exchange at the official or interbank rate to pay for services abroad—commonly referred to as “invisible trade.”
Following recent improvements in FX liquidity, banks are once again accepting and processing Form A applications, specifically for school fees. This update comes just as many universities and colleges abroad are issuing invoices and setting deadlines for the new academic session. The timing could not be better for thousands of students relying on official channels to meet their international obligations.
To use Form A, customers initiate the process via their bank’s online portal or in person. Required documents typically include an admission letter, invoice from the foreign institution, valid identification, and in some cases, evidence of visa approval. Once verified and approved, the bank remits the tuition payment directly to the overseas institution in the appropriate foreign currency.
The renewed availability of Form A services marks an important step in restoring confidence in the Nigerian FX system. In the last year, access to official FX for educational and medical needs was severely limited, pushing many Nigerians toward parallel market alternatives at significantly higher rates. This not only increased financial strain on families but also contributed to broader instability in the exchange rate market.
By reopening this payment channel, the CBN and commercial banks are working to align with the government’s broader financial reforms. The move is also expected to ease pressure on the black market by meeting genuine FX demands through regulated and traceable means.
Stakeholders in the education sector, including school placement consultants and parents, have welcomed the development. Many note that being able to pay tuition officially, securely, and at a regulated rate restores peace of mind and helps maintain academic timelines for students.
Some banks have improved the efficiency of their Form A processing systems, introducing features that allow applicants to track the progress of their request online. This digitization makes the process more transparent and customer-friendly.
While challenges in Nigeria’s FX ecosystem remain, the reactivation of Form A tuition payments is a step in the right direction. It shows a willingness by financial authorities to prioritize legitimate needs and ensure that education—one of Nigeria’s largest service-related remittance categories—continues without unnecessary disruption.
In the coming weeks, a rise in Form A applications is expected, especially as families race to meet looming payment deadlines. For many, this development represents more than just convenience—it is a critical path to sustaining quality education for Nigerians abroad.
