From Lateef Taiwo
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the European Union (EU) on various opportunities in the education sector to produce globally competitive graduates and make Nigeria a strong, prosperous and united nation.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu was speaking during his keynote address at the maiden edition of Erasmus+ National Information Day, aimed at sensitizing students and scholars in the Nigerian Tertiary Institutions and the general public on the importance of the Erasmus+ programmes to African countries.
The Minister maintained that Nigeria’s education system must also prepare and arm Nigeria’s youths to take competitive advantage of the 21st century knowledge-driven economy within and outside the country.
“It is in line with the above Agenda that the Federal Ministry of Education launched the Roadmap for Nigerian Education Sector aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s education system to effectively play its central role In the national reform,” he said.
He noted however, that the successful implementation of the Roadmap requires effective collaboration with the International Development Partners and other relevant stakeholders.
He noted that the sensitization and advocacy programme is a clear testimony of the passion of the European Union to move education to a greater height in the country and the sub-Sahara African countries.
“Let me use this opportunity to commend the landmark initiative of the Erasmus+ EU Ambassadors and Erasmus+ National Focal Points (ENFPs) in organizing the Information Day. I also commend the Erasmus+ Managers and Praicies for the wonderful support for the success of this programme.
“ As a matter of fact, Erasmus scholarship scheme is one of the most popular European Scholarship programmes anyone can hope to be part of. It is a multinational exchange programme aimed at promoting International collaboration; Harnessing International talent; Facilitating mobility among borders for exchange of knowledge and research, and Enhancing employability of candidates in various fields, among other benefits,” he said.
Sununu called on the Coordinator of Erasmus+ National Focal Points (ENFP) in the Federal Ministry of Education to collaborate with the EU Ambassadors in Nigeria and other relevant stakeholders to cascade the Erasmus National Information Day to the various geo-political zones in order to create awareness among students and staff of Tertiary Institutions on Erasmus+ Scholarships and capacity building programmes on higher education.
Also speaking, the Deputy Head of Delegation, Erasmus+, Zissimos Vergos, said that Nigeria is among the top countries with a larger demographic footprint and hence would like to see Nigeria rise in the area of academic excellence.
Vergos added that Nigeria must educate her citizenry on the need to make a meaningful impact in the country, as well as a life changing educational experience.
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