Somto Bisina
The European Union (EU) has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 135 young Nigerians, positioning the country as the leading beneficiary of EU postgraduate scholarships in Africa over the past five years and among the top five globally.
These scholarships, offered under the prestigious Erasmus+ program, aim to enhance educational opportunities and foster collaboration between Nigerian and European institutions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe EU has been actively increasing its support for academia through key funding programs such as Erasmus+ for higher education and Horizon Europe for research and innovation.
Beyond scholarships, Erasmus+ provides mobility opportunities for researchers, students, and staff, while Horizon Europe offers avenues for Nigeria-based researchers and institutions.
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These initiatives align with Nigeria’s national objectives of ensuring equitable access to quality education and teacher training, with EU investments totaling EUR 45.4 million between 2021 and 2027.
To promote higher education opportunities in Europe, the EU Delegation to Nigeria will organize a “Study in Europe Fair” in Lagos on October 28 and in Kano on October 26. These events will enable Nigerian students to explore the prospects of studying in Europe and facilitate partnerships between Nigerian higher education institutions and EU counterparts.
The fairs will serve as platforms for information exchange, networking, and sharing experiences among students, academics, parents, and professionals interested in pursuing education in Europe.
The 135 Nigerian students awarded the EMJMD scholarships will embark on 12-24 month postgraduate programs spanning at least three universities across different countries. Upon successful completion, they will receive jointly awarded master’s degrees from university consortia as part of the EMJMD program, a significant component of Erasmus+.
These highly integrated study programs, delivered by international partnerships between higher education institutions, provide recipients with interdisciplinary skills, preparing them for careers as practitioners, researchers, or decision-makers in their chosen fields.
Over the years, the EU has facilitated short-term mobility opportunities for 525 Nigerian students, researchers, and staff, while 172 Europeans have visited Nigeria. Furthermore, 672 Nigerian students have been awarded Erasmus Mundus joint master’s and PhD scholarships.
Several Nigerian universities have participated in Erasmus+ capacity-building projects, focusing on graduate skill enhancement and addressing sustainability challenges.
The EU also supports capacity-building projects in vocational education and training, with a specific emphasis on entrepreneurship, green skills, and digital skills.
