In a move to strengthen educational collaboration between India and Africa, the Africa Asia Scholars Global Network (AASGON) has announced 10,000 scholarships for African students, with Nigerian scholars expected to be among the major beneficiaries.
The initiative, unveiled ahead of the 2025 Global South Universities Association (GSUA) Summit Awards, covers a range of academic programs, including diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies.
It aims to bridge the education gap between the Global North and South while fostering cooperation within the Global South.
In a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja on Friday, AASGON President Abdul Mohammed emphasized that the scholarship aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering developing regions through education and capacity building.
The official launch is scheduled for March 25, 2025, in New Delhi, India, with Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman of the World Trade Centre Mumbai, presiding over the event.
The ceremony will bring together key stakeholders, including India’s Minister of External Affairs, members of the African diplomatic corps, educational leaders, and representatives from international organizations such as UNESCO and the British Council.
For Nigeria, this initiative presents a major opportunity to strengthen its human capital development.
With a large youth population seeking quality education, the scholarships could ease financial barriers and provide access to advanced studies in India, complementing Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its education sector and workforce capacity.
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Dr. Sanjeev Seth, AASGON’s Director of Educational Development, highlighted that beyond academic opportunities, the scholarship program would help build critical skills and infrastructure necessary for Africa’s socio-economic and technological advancement.
This is particularly relevant for Nigeria as it seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.
The initiative also reinforces India’s commitment to supporting Africa’s development through education, complementing existing collaborations and fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties.
As the March 25 launch approaches, Nigerian students and institutions are encouraged to prepare for the application process, which will be facilitated by AASGON’s Nigerian partner.
The statement further noted that detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures will be announced during the official launch.
This scholarship program not only strengthens India-Africa relations but also marks a significant step toward sustainable development through education.
For Nigeria, it represents a crucial pathway to empowering its youth, improving educational standards, and advancing national progress.
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