BEA : 179 Students Depart Nigeria To Russia

By Nkiru Okeke

In furtherance of the 2023-2024 Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA)geared towards effective delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Education sector,
Over 170 students are set to depart Nigeria to Russia for undergraduate courses in different disciplines in the country.

The Minister of Education, Prof.Tahir Mamman who made this known at the pre-departure briefing in Abuja said the first batch are already on their way to Russia while the second and third batch will depart on 15th and 17th of November, 2023.

The Minister represented by the Director, Universities Education in the ministry,
Hajia Rakiya Iliyasu, admonished the students to be good ambassadors and demonstrate their worthiness by adhering to the laws of the host country, reminding them that Nigeria has invested significantly in their education and expects them to return and contribute to the advancement of the country.

“I therefore need to advise you not to see this as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be a disgrace to you, your parents and the country.

“Nigeria is investing a lot in you and expects that the returns of the investment would manifest in your coming back to help move your nation forward.

“You must also strive to abide by the laws of your host country and remember to be your brother’s keeper. Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very necessary based on our experiences from Ukraine”.

Also speaking the Director
of the Federal Scholarship Board, Asta Ndajiwo said the selection process of the students was done across the six geo-political zones,adding that their allowances for the first academic year, from September to December, have already been paid by the Federal government.

“Be your brothers keeper, face your studies and be good ambassadors of your country, avoid extracurricular activities that will distract you from your studies”.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the students, one of the beneficiaries, Muhammadu Yusuf promised to live up to expectations and thanked both the Federal Government and Russia for the opportunity.

He also pledged their commitment in contributing their quota to the development of the country upon the completion of their studies.

Edited By Grace Namiji