A total of 83 Nigerian scholars are set to depart for Morocco under the Bilateral Education Agreement facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education, News About Nigeria gathered.
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, announced this development during a departure briefing, emphasising that the selection of scholars aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister Mamman underscored the broader plan to deepen the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that academically talented Nigerians, especially those facing financial constraints, receive support to pursue programs not readily available within the country.
He expressed satisfaction with the growing number of development partners actively offering scholarships to Nigerian students.
The countries currently engaged in educational partnerships with Nigeria include Hungary, China, Russia, Algeria, Romania, Morocco, Serbia, Mexico, Egypt, and Venezuela.
Additionally, other countries, although less active, include Macedonia, Poland, South Korea, Greece, Japan, and Turkey.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s reciprocal efforts, having offered scholarship awards to China and Romania in the past and expressing the intention to reactivate such gestures with countries that express interest.
Addressing the departing scholars, Mamman offered advice, recognising that for many, this would be their first time leaving their parents and the country.
He urged them to view this opportunity as an investment by Nigeria in their education, emphasising the expectation that they would return to contribute to the nation’s development.
The Minister emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of the countries where they would be studying.
Living abroad, he noted, is different from living in Nigeria, requiring cultural sensitivity and a commitment to representing Nigeria positively.
“Living in a foreign land is very different from living in Nigeria. You must learn to abide by the rules governing wherever you would be studying and for those of you going to the same place, I will advise you to learn to become your brother’s keeper.
“Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Rabat. This is very necessary, based on our experiences from Ukraine,” he said.
