By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The European Union (EU) has awarded 142 young Nigerian students its postgraduate scholarships for the 2024-25 academic session, the prestigious Erasmus+ programme.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Nigeria has led in Africa as the top recipient of these scholarships, also ranking among the top five globally.
Announced by the programme organizers in Brussels, the initial batch of Nigerian awardees is set to begin their studies in September 2024, with the possibility of more beneficiaries being added.
These scholarships provide an opportunity for recipients to study in at least three different universities across multiple countries within and outside the EU over a 12-24 month period.
In a statement, the EU embassy in Abuja highlighted that the Nigerian awardees have been admitted to highly sought-after programs such as Renewables-based Power Systems, Chemical Innovation and Regulation, Public Health in Disasters, Biorefinery, European MSc in Marine Environment 2030, Soil Science, Systems for Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering, and Sustainable Ship and Shipping, among others.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme, a key component of Erasmus+, offers scholars a master’s degree awarded jointly by a consortium of universities.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the EMJMD programme, which has had a transformative impact on individuals, higher education institutions, and countries both within and outside the EU.
At a pre-departure orientation in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, emphasized the programme’s transformative influence.
