The European Union (EU) has awarded scholarships to 142 Nigerians through its flagship Erasmus+ programme.
During a pre-departure orientation in Abuja on Thursday, Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the scholarship recipients will begin their studies in September 2024.
She said the programme allows students to study for 12 to 24 months at a minimum of three different universities in various countries.
Isopi said the pre-departure orientation was designed to help the recipients leverage the opportunities provided through the scholarship.
“The 142 Nigerian EMJMD awardees are among the initial batch of beneficiaries, announced by the organisers of the programme in Brussels. The number is likely to increase. Most awardees will start their Erasmus plus journey in September 2024,” she said.
“The pre-departure orientation aimed to provide the recipients with hands-on tips on how to make the best of the immense opportunities inherent in the prestigious scholarships.
“The programmes will run for 12-24 months, with each beneficiary studying in at least three different universities in as many countries within and outside the EU during the period.”
Isopi said the postgraduate programmes for which the scholarship is awarded will cover several advanced fields.
She said this includes renewable power systems, chemical innovation, public health, bio-refinery, marine environment, soil science, sustainable engineering, and shipping.
The ambassador said the students will receive a joint master’s degree from the consortium of universities involved in their chosen programme after successful completion of their programmes.
Originally established by the EU in 1987, the Erasmus programme aimed to foster closer cooperation between universities and higher education institutions across Europe.
Over time, it has expanded into Erasmus+, encompassing a broad framework for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth, and sport across Europe.
At 142 recipients for 2024, Nigeria retains its number one spot among beneficiaries of the EU postgraduate scholarships in Africa for the sixth year.
The country also retains its place among the top five recipient countries globally.