Education Minister in Nigeria, Professor Tahir Mamman has expressed the willingness to explore education opportunities available between the country and the United Arab Emirates, especially in the fields of research, scholarship, exchange of programmes, and transfer of knowledge among others.
The Minister stated these when the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Saleem Saeed Alshamsi paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja, Nigeria.
Prof Tahir said Nigeria is interested in studying the development model of the United Arab Emirates which has made Dubai a global Shopping center, adding that Nigeria stands to benefit from that model given the enormous potentials and resources the country commands.
The Minister pointed out that he admires the way and manner the United Arab Emirates has overcome the challenges of climate change and adverse weather conditions to become one of the global destinations of choice, adding that the need for the two countries to work together cannot be overemphasised.
Professor Tahir maintained that the world is one indivisible entity, emphasising that international collaboration is needed now, more than ever before, to make the world a better place for all.
The Minister used the occasion to appeal to His Excellency to help resolve the unpass surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and flight operations between the two countries.
Ambassador Alshamsi, appealed to the Minister to help conclude the processes and signing of the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
He also requested the Minister to visit the Emirates, adding that his country’s Minister of Higher Education is keen to meet the Nigerian Minister of Education in order to advance the educational interest of the two countries.
Reflecting on 41years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Alshamsi applauded the Nigeria people as very hardworking and one of the greatest talents in Africa.
Dominica Nwabufo
