The European Union has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 142 Nigerian graduates for the 2024-25 academic session through its esteemed Erasmus+ Programme.

This notable achievement underscores Nigeria’s premier status among African nations and secures its place among the top five global recipients of the EU postgraduate scholarships.

The Erasmus+ Programme, renowned for its rigorous standards and transformative impact, has selected 142 Nigerian scholars to pursue advanced studies in top European universities.

These scholars will embark on their academic journey in September 2024. The scholarship recipients have been admitted into a variety of high-demand programmes, including Renewables-based Power Systems, Chemical Innovation and Regulation, Public Health in Disasters, and Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering, among others. Each programme spans 12-24 months, during which scholars will study at a minimum of three universities across different countries.

Now in its 20th year, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme continues to foster international cooperation and academic excellence.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, emphasized the transformative power of this scholarship during a pre-departure orientation in Abuja, highlighting its benefits for individuals and nations alike.

The EU’s support for higher education in Nigeria is not limited to scholarships. Through Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, the EU is enhancing mobility for researchers, students, and staff, and building capacity in Nigerian universities and TVET institutions.

These efforts align with Nigeria’s national objectives, focusing on equitable access to quality education and teacher training. The EU collaborates with state governments in Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Oyo, Katsina, Enugu, and Plateau to strengthen the education system.

This includes increasing digital technology use for teaching and mainstreaming green skills. Between 2021-2027, the EU is investing EUR 45.4 million in educational projects across Nigeria, highlighting its long-term commitment to the nation’s educational advancement.

The Erasmus+ Programme not only offers unparalleled academic opportunities but also paves the way for cultural exchange and international networking.