The Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities Secretariat in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, delivered the keynote address at the maiden edition of Erasmus+ National Information Day held today Thursday, January 18, 2024.
The event, organised by Erasmus+ EU Ambassadors and Erasmus+ National Focal Points, aimed to enlighten students and scholars in Nigerian tertiary institutions and the general public about the significance of Erasmus+ programs for African countries.
During his address, Hon. Dr. Sununu commended the European Union’s passion for elevating education in Nigeria and sub-Saharan African countries. He highlighted the Erasmus scholarship scheme as a prestigious European initiative promoting international collaboration, harnessing talent, facilitating cross-border mobility for knowledge exchange, and enhancing employability across various fields.
The Minister underscored the importance of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, emphasizing the need to equip citizens for national development and produce globally competitive graduates. He noted that the Erasmus+ National Information Day aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s roadmap, emphasizing effective collaboration with international partners for successful implementation.
Expressing gratitude to Ambassador Samuela Isopi, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, and Ambassadors from Italy, Germany, Finland, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, and Portugal, the Minister congratulated them for their efforts in making the event a reality.
As a call to action, Hon. Dr. Sununu urged the collaboration between the Erasmus+ National Focal Points and EU Ambassadors to extend the Information Day to various geo-political zones. This extension is expected to raise awareness among students and staff of tertiary institutions regarding Erasmus+ scholarships and capacity-building programs in higher education.
The Minister concluded his address by expressing optimism for more rewarding engagements with the European Union, envisioning a strengthened, prosperous, and united Nigeria through continued collaboration in the education sector.
