European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, said yesterday over 800 youths had benefited from the Erasmus+ Master’s Study Programme since 2014.
The ambassador spoke at the pre-departure ceremony in Abuja for 135 Nigerians given Eramus + scholarships in 2023 for their Masters’ programme.
She said over 500 students had benefited in four years.
According to her, Nigerian awardees grew to 200 students for 2022.
“These are EU-fully funded scholarships for post-graduate/Master’s study programmes to run for 12 months to 24 months. Erasmus + is unique, because it is a unique multi-country and multi-cultural programme.
“Each of you will have the opportunity to study in at least three different universities in three different countries.
“Most of you will study in European Union countries, but Turkey, Serbia and UK are also part of Erasmus.
“At the end of your programme, you will receive an internationally recognised master’s degree, jointly awarded by a consortium of top level universities in the framework of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Programme.
“These master’s degrees are high-level integrated study programmes that are the result of an international partnership between top-level higher education institutions,” Isopi said.
She applauded the efforts of the ministry of education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) in their partnership.
The EU envoy appealed for further support for the expansion of the Erasmus+ outreach to all young people.
“Let me also thank the ministry of education and the NUC, your partnership and support will be critical to further expand Erasmus+ outreach and attract more candidates.
“Nigerians are among the best students in the world and European Universities are keen to welcome them,” she said.
Mr. Andrew Adejo, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, said the Erasmus+ was a prestigious and renowned programme that had a rich history with significant impact on young individuals.
According to him, the prestigious and renowned programme has a rich history with significant impact on individuals and institutions across Europe and beyond.
“Since its launch in 1987, it has remained steadfast in promoting international cooperation and mobility in the field of higher education.
“The programme has promoted academic excellence and innovation as well as encouraged the exchange of knowledge and best practices among participants.
“It has also helped in facilitating social cohesion and intercultural dialogue as well as promoting mutual respect and tolerance.
“Permit me, therefore, to congratulate each of the 135 Nigerian students who have been awarded the prestigious Erasmus+ scholarship.
This achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic abilities,” Adejo said.
Also, Mr. Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, said the Erasmus+ scholarship of the EU was a clear indication of the long standing cooperation between the EU and the NUC.
“This occasion presents an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding partnership of a fruitful friendship between the EU and the NUC.
“We also celebrate the mutual respect, shared values and common vision of empowering Nigerian students and universities through international mobility and cooperation opportunity,” he said.