The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for youths with plans to sponsor an additional 1,002 students for overseas studies, following the successful sponsorship of 1,001 students last year.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, made this known during a courtesy visit by the European Union Delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair in Kano.
He described the initiative as a “bridge for creating a future where the youths of Kano can access world-class education and participate fully in the global knowledge economy.”
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While expressing appreciation to the EU for its continued support and collaboration, he said the Study in Europe Fair is a testament to the commitment of international partners to the development of Nigeria’s educational system.
This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, a copy made available to newsmen in Kano.
“We look forward to a successful event that will empower our youth, enhance educational exchange, and contribute to the overall economic and social development of Kano, Nigeria, and West Africa,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, as well as leader of the delegation, stated that they are in Kano primarily for the Study in Europe Fair scheduled for February 27, 2025.
According to him, the expectation is to establish new contacts, partnerships, friendships, and student exchanges, with scholars traveling to Europe and, hopefully, some European scholars coming to Kano as well.
He further mentioned that around 20 university representatives were present in Kano for the event, many of whom were visiting for the first time.
He emphasized that the initiative aimed to promote people-to-people connections and strengthen educational collaboration between Europe and Kano.
However, during a press conference, Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, disclosed that “about 525 Nigerian students, researchers and staff have benefited from short-term mobility to Europe.”
He added that 172 students and staff from Europe have moved to Nigeria. In 2024, 97 Nigerian students and staff will visit European universities in 17 countries, while 8 Nigerian universities will host around 20 Europeans.800 Nigerian students have been awarded Erasmus Mundus joint master’s and PhD scholarships
Five Nigerian universities have been associated partners in Erasmus Mundus joint master’s (2016-2024). 13 Nigerian universities participated in Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) projects.
Some of these projects aimed to develop programmes to improve graduate skills in major areas for the country’s development and for tackling sustainability challenges.
Nigeria participates in seven Capacity Building for VET (CBVET) projects selected in 2022, focused on entrepreneurship and green and digital skills under the call for 2024 (CBHE) projects.
Four Nigerian universities have been selected to benefit from 2 projects as associate partners.
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