A total of 175 young Nigerians are set for departure to Russia on scholarships to study in various institutions in the country under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA).
Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, SAN, speaking at a brief pre-departure ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, urged the beneficiaries to uphold good values, focus on their studies and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.
He told the scholars who are expected to resume studies for the 2023/2024 academic session in Russia, that they
were a few out of thousands who secured this opportunity and must not be taken for granted.
Mamman who was represented by the Director, Tertiary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, applauded the gesture of the Government of Russia for offering scholarships to 175 Nigerian students in spite of the current global economic meltdown.
He disclosed that the selection of the beneficiaries from across the six geopolitical zones, was part of a broader plan of deepening the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ensures that brilliant Nigerians are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Mammam said, “I am happy to inform us that in spite of the global economic meltdown, the number of our development partners has increased and many of them now offer scholarships to Nigeria.
“I therefore need to advise you not to see this as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be a disgrace to you, your parents and the country.
“Nigeria is investing a lot in you and expects that the returns of the investment would manifest in your coming back to help move your nation forward.
“You must also strive to abide by the laws of your host country and remember to be your brother’s keeper. Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very necessary based on our experiences from Ukraine.
“Your parents are also spending a lot of resources on you. Note that we all expect you return to our dear country at the end of your studies to assist Nigeria to become a better place by contributing your quota to its development, using your new knowledge and skills,” he added.
The Minister further enjoined parents of the awardees to always ktheir eep them in prayers and encourage them with sound advice at all times.
“You are further advised to make your parents and Nigeria proud by being worthy Ambassadors in the country of your studies,” he stated.
Moses Inalegwu, one of the Russia-bound scholars who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the Federal government and Russian Federation for the opportunity granted them, assuring the Nigerian government that they would be worthy ambassadors of the country during their stay in Russia.
. TheWitness
