In a major move to strengthen educational and diplomatic ties, the Russian government has announced plans to offer no fewer than 500,000 scholarships to international students over the coming years, with Nigeria among the key beneficiaries.
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Andrey Podelyshev, disclosed this on Monday night during a media briefing in Abuja, held as part of preparations for Russia Day, which will be celebrated on June 12.
Ambassador Podelyshev revealed that President Vladimir Putin has set a long-term target to significantly increase the number of international students studying in Russia. Presently, less than half of that goal has been achieved, with around 32,000 African students currently enrolled in Russian universities—including only 2,000 Nigerians.
As part of efforts to meet this target, Russia has approved 220 scholarships for Nigerian students for the 2025 academic year, with preparations underway for successful candidates to commence studies in September 2024.
“These scholarships cover not only tuition fees but also living expenses,” Podelyshev stated, noting that travel costs for selected students are expected to be covered by their respective home governments.
The initiative is part of a broader strategic policy aimed at deepening Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly Nigeria, in areas of education, science, and economic development.
“If Russia is involved in rebuilding a plant in Ajaokuta or setting up nuclear power plants, we will need Nigerian professionals trained in Russia to drive these projects,” the ambassador emphasized.
Podelyshev also highlighted the role of the Russia-Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, which aims to align educational exchange with bilateral economic goals.
To tackle the persistent issue of brain drain, the ambassador noted that Russia is considering frameworks to ensure students return home after their studies to contribute to national development.
“If students know they are being trained for specific national projects that require their expertise upon return, they will have stronger incentives to come back,” he said.
This scholarship initiative is seen as a significant step in fostering long-term cooperation between Russia and Nigeria, especially in critical sectors like nuclear energy, industrial development, and science-driven infrastructure.
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