The Federal Government has granted 179 Nigerian students scholarships to pursue diverse programs in Russia.
This announcement was made during the 2023/2024 pre-departure briefing of Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars to Russia in Abuja on Tuesday, as conveyed by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The Minister, represented by Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, the Director of Universities Education in the Ministry, urged the students to recognize this opportunity’s significance and approach their studies responsibly.
He emphasized the substantial investment made in them and underscored the country’s expectations for their contribution upon their return.
While the first batch of students are already en route to the airport for departure, the subsequent two sets are scheduled to depart on November 15 and November 17.
Addressing the scholars, Mamman advised them to uphold good values, concentrate on their studies, and act as exemplary ambassadors of their country during their stay abroad.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the host country’s laws and maintaining close contact with the Nigerian Embassy, drawing from past experiences in other countries like Ukraine.
The Director of the Federal Scholarship Board, Asta Ndajiwo, highlighted the rigorous selection process that began with thousands of applications in November 2022, culminating in the nomination of the final candidates.
In a cautionary note, Ndajiwo urged the scholars to avoid engaging in risky extracurricular activities, referring to previous tragic incidents where scholars lost their lives while swimming.
She emphasized the need for caution around water bodies, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
The scholars were reminded of the resources invested in them by both the government and their families, with an expectation for them to return to Nigeria after their studies and contribute significantly to the nation’s development using the knowledge and skills acquired.
