Russian scholarship scandal has left people baffled. Young Nigerian citizens were promised a future in tech. Instead, they were taken to a war factory located in Yelabuga which is found in Alabuga special economic zone (SEZ) in the Republic of Tatarstan, South-West of Russia, the scam unfolded under the guise of scholarship. 

It started with an advertisement it promised education and vocational training. Young Nigerians were promised a better life, and few lucky applicants got in, they received a letter, air tickets, and off they went to the Russian alabuga Special Economic Zone. 

When they arrived, a different reality struck them. They were asked to work inside drone factories in hazardous conditions, and in some cases there was no pay at all these drones were the same ones being used in the Russian war against Ukraine. Multiple reports have emerged of how alabuga has become a major weapons hub for the Kremlin. 

Investigations have shown foreign workers were taken there under pretenses of false opportunities. So many of the Nigerians who got there were forced into assembling war machines without ever being told what they signed up for

In Nigeria, When the scam came to light, the outrage exploded. Social media was filled with shock and anger. People started questioning, how did this happen? When did it start, and was the Nigerian government involved?

The FG in responding, said that they had nothing to do with this. No approvals were given and no endorsements were made. They blamed private recruiters and unauthorized channels and promised to investigate

However, a document posted on the website of the Ministry of Education, which had been trending for a while, suggests Nigerian youths were encouraged to apply for the scholarship

Former Nigerian diplomats also spoke out, saying this isn't just a domestic embarrassment, it's a diplomatic risk. They called for urgent action to find out how young citizens were sent to a military zone in a foreign war.

And here's where it gets even more serious. Ukraine's ambassador to Nigeria warned the alabuga drone zone is a legitimate military target. If it's hit in a strike, Nigerians inside could be caught in the crossfire.

The Russian Embassy in a Bucha, however, is calling this fake news. They claim the reports are fabricated and that nobody is being exploited. But back in Nigeria, people aren't buying that. We can't tell you who's to be blamed for this poor oversight. But this story is a story that sheds light on the dangers of unchecked overseas offers first you.