The Federal Government has announced a major global academic collaboration with Qatar in the areas of
research, student exchange programmes and sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian scholars to enhance academic excellence in the country.
Minister of Education Professor Tahir Mamman, who made this known, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global academic partnerships at the Qatar-Nigeria Educational Partnership Forum in Doha.
Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said Mamman identified three key areas for potential collaboration between Nigerian and Qatari institutions.
“These include research partnerships to facilitate collaboration among researchers, student exchange programmes enabling students to study in Qatar, and sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian scholars to undertake research in Qatar.
“This partnership aims to promote academic excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations,” the statement noted.
According to the statement, this focus aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of internationalising its education system, a key outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar.
The forum emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions in both countries.
Nigerian scholars undertaking cutting-edge research may have the opportunity to share knowledge, expertise, and collaborations with top Qatar universities.
Speaking on the efforts of the forum in addressing Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, the Minister revealed that Qatar’s Education Above All initiative is partnering with the Kaduna State government to return 100,000 children to the classroom, focussing on girls and children with disabilities.
Mamman noted that the pilot project would be expanded to other regions, ensuring greater access to quality education for underserved children. Qatar has had projects in Borno on learning in crisis situations.
Professor Mamman commended Qatar’s commitment and stressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration. “This partnership will address immediate educational needs and position our universities and scholars globally,” he said.
The Minister thanked the Qatari government, EAA Foundation, and partners for their support, noting that the collaboration expects to create lasting impacts, improving access to basic education and enhancing Nigerian higher education institutions’ international standing.
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