‘Be good ambassadors, Nigeria is investing a lot in you,’ education minister urges Nigerian scholars heading to Russia

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, addressed 179 beneficiaries of the Bilateral Education Agreement, set to depart for Russia, emphasizing Nigeria’s significant investment in their education.

Speaking on Tuesday, the minister advised the students to maintain good conduct and focus on their academic pursuits.

Represented by the Director of Tertiary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Rakiya Iliyasu, the minister highlighted the responsibility of the students to stay in touch with the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow, drawing lessons from past experiences in Ukraine.

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He advised, “I, therefore, advise you not to see this as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be a disgrace to you, your parents and the country. Nigeria is investing a lot in you and expects that the returns of the investment will manifest in your coming back to help move your nation forward.

The minister further emphasized the need for students to comply with their host country’s laws and foster a sense of communal responsibility.

“Your selection as scholars is part of a broader plan of deepening the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ensures that brilliant Nigerians, especially those that cannot afford to study programmes that are not readily available in Nigeria, are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.”

He reminded the students of their parents’ sacrifices, urging them to utilize their newfound knowledge and skills to elevate Nigeria upon their return.

“Your parents are also spending a lot of resources on you. Note that we all expect you to return to our dear country at the end of your studies to assist Nigeria to become a better place by contributing your quota to its development, using your new knowledge and skills.”

Addressing the parents, the minister advised them to support, pray for, and offer sound guidance to their children. He urged the students to represent Nigeria commendably as worthy ambassadors while studying abroad, making both their parents and the country proud.