The European Union (EU) has granted postgraduate scholarships to 135 young Nigerians in renowned European universities through its flagship educational program, Erasmus+.
This initiative was announced by Ms. Samuela Isopi, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, during a press briefing on Monday.
She emphasized that Nigeria ranks first among African countries and among the top five globally in terms of beneficiaries of EU postgraduate scholarships over the past five years.
The press unit of the EU Delegation issued a statement stating that the initial batch of awardees includes 109 Nigerian students who have been selected for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD).
The remaining candidates are currently undergoing the selection process to complete the total of 135 scholarship recipients.
In recent years, the EU has significantly increased its support to the academic sector through key funding programs such as Erasmus+ for higher education and Horizon Europe for research and innovation.
Erasmus+ provides various opportunities beyond the flagship scholarships, including mobility and short stays in Europe for researchers, students, and staff, as well as capacity-building projects in collaboration with European institutions. Horizon Europe offers additional opportunities for Nigerian researchers and research institutions, notably through the “Africa Initiative II,” which is specifically designed for African scientists.
To further promote higher education opportunities in Europe, the EU Delegation to Nigeria will organize a “Study in Europe Fair” in Lagos on October 28 and in Kano on October 26. These events will enable prospective Nigerian students to explore educational opportunities in Europe and facilitate partnerships between Nigerian higher education institutions and potential EU counterparts, in collaboration with the diplomatic missions of EU Member States in Nigeria.
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The EU expressed its commitment to creating an inclusive platform for Nigerian students, academics, parents, and professionals to exchange experiences, gather information, and network with individuals interested in studying in Europe.
The EU noted that the initial batch of 109 Nigerian EMJMD awardees, as announced by the program organizers in Brussels, is likely to increase. Most awardees are expected to commence their Erasmus+ journey in September 2023.
In preparation for their departure, the EU Delegation will host a pre-departure orientation for the awardees on July 19, 2023. The postgraduate programs, which will last for 12-24 months, will require each beneficiary to study in at least three different universities across multiple countries.
Upon successful completion, each scholarship recipient will be awarded a master’s degree jointly granted by a consortium of universities under the EMJMD program, an integral part of Erasmus+.
The selection process for the scholarships was highly competitive, with over 15,000 applications received from candidates worldwide. The EMJMD programs are distinguished integrated study programs delivered by international partnerships of higher education institutions.
The EU’s support for education in Nigeria aligns with national objectives and focuses on promoting equitable access to quality education and teacher training.
The EU collaborates with several state governments, including Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Oyo, Katsina, Enugu, and Plateau, to enhance the education system, integrate digital technology for teaching and learning, and incorporate green skills.
The statement further highlighted that the EU has invested a total of EUR 45.4 million in education projects for the period 2021-2027.
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