The Nigerian government has sent off a total of 175 students to Russia to study Undergraduate courses in various institutions in the country under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA).
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman at the Pre-departure briefing ceremony held in Abuja Nigeria, urged the beneficiaries who were selected from the Six geopolitical zones in the country to “uphold good values, focus on their studies and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.”
The Minister said selection of the beneficiaries was part of a broader plan of deepening the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims at ensuring that brilliant Nigerians are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Mammam said in spite of the global economic meltdown, the number of Nigeria’s development partners has increased and many of them now offer scholarship to Nigeria, urging them to be good ambassadors of the country.
“Do not 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 said.
The Minister, represented by the Director Tertiary Education, Hajiya Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, enjoined parents of the awardees to always keep them in their prayers and encourage them with sound advice at all times.
The Director, Federal scholarship board, Mrs. Asta Ndajiwo said the scholars went through rigorous exercise and screening hence the award is based on merit.
“You are all selected on merit. There is nothing like back selection. Your money for the beginning of the academic year, that is, from September has been paid and received by you. Go and be good ambassadors of Nigeria,” she said.
On behalf of the scholars, Moses Inalegwu, commended the Nigerian Government and the Russian Federation for the opportunity, promising not to let the nation down.
“We will do our best in the course of our studies there and promise not to let our country and parents down,” said Inalegwu
One of the parents, Mr.Tijani Mohammed equally commended the Nigerian Government and the Russian Federation for the opportunities given to their children, promising that they as parents will continually pray for them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while studying in Russia.
The first batch of students are already on their way to the airport for departure, while the second and third batches would depart on November 15 and November 17 respectively.
