By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
The great potentials of EU-Nigeria cooperation has aided a people and youth-centred cooperation with the readiness of the EU to offer regular migration opportunities for young Nigerians to travel and study in Europe based on merit, capacity and ability.
The EU Ambassador, Ms. Samuela Isopi,
made this known on Wednesday during the 2023 ERASMUS Plus pre-departure orientation event at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. She stated that Nigeria is the top country in Africa among the top 5 globally, together with Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Brazil in education.
Samuela said,”We want Nigeria to be number one in the world and we will work for that, together with the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and Nigerian Universities, to get there. Almost 800 Nigerians have benefited from ERASMUS Masters Study programme since 2014. 500 in the past 4 years. The number of Nigerians awardees has been growing constantly and reached 200 awardees last year.”
According to Samuela EU-fully funded scholarships for post-graduate/master study programme will run for 12-24 months. She reiterated that ERASMUS plus is a unique multi-country and multi-cultural programme which gives opportunity for students to study in at least three different universities in three different countries.
She noted that at the end of the study programme, the student will receive an internationally recognised master-degree, jointly awarded by a consortium of top level universities in the framework of the ERASMUS Mundus Joint Master Degree programme which are high-level integrated study programmes as a result of international partnership between toplevel higher education institutions.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo
expressed pleasure on the EU-NIGERIA cooperation.
According to the permanent Secretary the prestigious and renowned program has a rich history with significant impact on individuals and institutions across Europe and beyond. “Since its launch in 1987, it had remained steadfast in promoting international cooperation and mobility in the field of higher education. The programme has promoted academic excellence and
innovation as well as encouraged the exchange of knowledge and best practices among participants. It has also helped in facilitating social and intercultural dialogue as well as promoting mutual respect
and tolerance.
“Permit me therefore, to congratulate each of the 135 Nigerian students who have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus+ scholarship. This achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic abilities. You have proven yourself worthy of this great opportunity, and I am immensely proud to witness your success.
“As you embark on this journey, I would like to emphasize the immense potential and life-changing opportunities that lies ahead of you, the Erasmus+ programme is not merely a scholarship but a gateway to new horizons, a chance to broaden your perspectives, and a platform to build lasting connections with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It offers you a unique blend of academic excellence
personal growth, and intercultural understanding. I encourage you to actively contribute to the academic and social
conviction of your host institutions.”
Speaking also Mr Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of NUC said that the Erasmus+ scholarship of the EU was a clear indication of the long standing cooperation between EU and NUC.
“This occasion presents an opportunity to celebrate long standing partnership of a fruitful friendship between the EU and the NUC.
“The mutual respect, shared values and common vision of empowering Nigerian students, Universities through International mobility and cooperation opportunity. The EU delegation in Nigeria has contuine to show unwavering support in fostering educational cooperation and collaboartion in promoting excellent,” he said.
One of the awardees, Deborah Amos who studied Physics atĺ the University of Jos, Plateau state, said she got to know about Erasmus + through some of her friends who are currently scholars both in France and Italy. “For me it was a dream come through for me to go and study in Europe. The first time I applied was in 2021 but was not successful. I was determined to build myself because I’m an advocate for personal growth.
“With the help of my colleagues I became successful, this is where networking comes in. They helped me tailored my CV and motivational letter. I cried and laughed at the same time when I got the letter.”
