The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the European Union (EU) through the Erasmus+ Programme to advance education, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the Erasmus+ initiative as a transformative force for educational growth and capacity building. Represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, Director of Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, the Minister stated that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education as a key driver of national transformation.
Speaking at the 2025 Erasmus+ National Information Day held in Abuja, Dr. Alausa commended the EU’s sustained support for Nigeria’s education sector. He noted that since 2021, more than 500 Nigerian students and academics have benefitted from Erasmus+ scholarships and exchange programmes. He appealed for an increase in Nigeria’s scholarship quota and pledged the Ministry’s continued collaboration with the EU to expand access to Erasmus+ opportunities.
Also speaking, the Director of University Education, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, described Erasmus+ as a €570 million Sub-Saharan Africa initiative (2021–2027) promoting education, youth development, and innovation. She encouraged participants to explore the programme’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation opportunities.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Zissimos Vergos, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to strengthening educational ties with Nigeria, citing 11 ongoing joint projects involving Nigerian institutions in the areas of STEM, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.
The ministry reiterated its unwavering commitment to expanding global learning partnerships and leveraging education as the foundation for sustainable national development.
