FG seeks ties with UAE on educational development

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has said that Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates are committed to exploring educational opportunities available in the two countries, especially in the fields of research, scholarship, exchange of programmes, and transfer of knowledge, among others.

Mamman stated this when the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Saleem Saeed Alshamsi, paid him a courtesy call in his office, a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ben Bem Goong, said on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Minister expressed the desire of Nigeria to study the development model of the United Arab Emirates, which has made Dubai a global shopping centre, adding that Nigeria stands to benefit from that model given the enormous potential and resources the country commands.

Mamman, who did not hide his admiration for the way and manner in which the United Arab Emirates has overcome the challenges of climate change and adverse weather conditions to become one of the global destinations of choice, noted that the need for the two countries to work together cannot be overemphasised.

He 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 impasse surrounding the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and flight operations between the two countries.

Earlier in his address to the Minister, His Excellency Ambassador Saleem Saeed 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.

Ambassador Saeed also requested the Minister 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 interests of the two countries.

Reflecting on 41 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Alshamsi applauded the Nigerian people as very hardworking and one of the greatest talents in Africa.