The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to its long-standing educational and cultural partnership with the Russian Federation, even as economic pressures force changes in scholarship funding.
At a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Nikolay N. Udovichenko, reviewed the history of bilateral cooperation and explored fresh areas for collaboration.
Dr. Alausa praised Russia’s decades-long support in training Nigerians in medicine, engineering, and technology, noting that over 2,186 Nigerians are currently studying in Russia, with most pursuing careers in healthcare.
However, he acknowledged that economic realities have led the Federal Government to suspend financial contributions to bilateral scholarship schemes, including those with Russia.
“Future Nigerian students will need to secure full sponsorship from Russia, state governments, or private bodies,” the minister stated.
Ambassador Udovichenko disclosed that Nigeria was offered 250 scholarships for the 2024–25 academic year, with 199 students already enrolled. He expressed Russia’s readiness to raise the quota if there are firm financial guarantees.
“We welcome the commitments from Niger and Abia States and hope for more state involvement,” he said.
The meeting also produced key agreements, including the appointment of a liaison office, renewal of cultural exchange agreements, introduction of Russian language studies in Nigerian institutions, and linking Nigerian universities to the Russian–African University Network.
Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, described the renewed cooperation as a “strategic move to sustain educational and cultural exchange despite financial constraints.”
