EU awards scholarships to 104 Nigerian students for postgraduate study

Erasmus Nigerian scholarship awards send 104 students abroad with fully funded EU postgraduate study offers, reinforcing EU–Nigeria educational partnerships

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Erasmus Nigerian scholarship awards for the 2025–2026 academic session have recognised 104 young Nigerians with prestigious European Union-funded postgraduate scholarships.

Also read: ‘Great news’ EU awards postgraduate scholarship to over 200 Nigerians

These students will pursue degrees under the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus programme, starting September this year.

Announced on Tuesday by the European Union, the programme places Nigeria as the leading African country for Erasmus participation.

Globally, Nigeria ranks among the top five, joining the likes of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mexico. This strong showing highlights Nigeria’s academic potential and global relevance.

During the Erasmus Plus Pre-Departure Orientation in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, applauded the selected students.

“Over 15,000 applications were made, and today, you stand among the selected few. You should be proud of yourselves, and so are we,” he said. His remarks echoed the EU’s admiration for Nigeria’s top-performing candidates.

Out of the 104 Nigerians selected this year, 83 have secured fully funded Erasmus scholarships. Mignot praised their success in the highly competitive global application process, which included candidates from across continents.

Since 2014, over 800 Nigerians have received Erasmus scholarships, with more than 600 of those awarded in the past four years alone.

The ambassador reminded students that the programme offers more than a degree. “Erasmus Plus is not your typical study programme.

It is a unique, transformative journey,” he said. He explained that students would study across multiple countries, encountering diverse cultures, teaching styles, and academic systems.

“Most of you will be in EU Member States, but some will start in Türkiye or the UK and continue in even more distant destinations.”

He said the programme includes a mix of traditional universities and vocational institutions. “You will not only hold a Master’s degree from some of the world’s top universities but also gain global exposure, lifelong friendships and a broader outlook.”

Highlighting the broader importance of education, Mignot said the EU invests heavily in Nigeria’s educational development.

“This is why the European Union continues to invest in education in Nigeria, not just through Erasmus, but also through initiatives supporting basic education, girls’ education, and educational access in areas affected by insecurity, particularly in the North-West.”

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the programme as more than an academic journey.

“It is a call to serve as Ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and cooperation,” he said. Represented by Ebiho Agun, Olawande urged the awardees to use the opportunity to broaden their minds and return with knowledge that would serve national growth.

“As you travel to different parts of Europe, remember that you carry with you the spirit of Nigeria, its energy, resilience, and hope,” he added.

Stephen Agboola, one of the recipients, said, “This is a broader opportunity for me to practically engage in the intricate dynamics of higher education.

I see it as the next step for me in my career. With this, I’m able to rethink innovation, especially in Nigeria. I thank the European Union for the scholarship.”

Another awardee, Louisa Asor, who will be studying cyber security in France, said the opportunity aligned perfectly with her goals.

“This means a lot to me, especially since cyber security is a field I am very passionate about. This opportunity will help me achieve my goals,” she said.

The orientation event concluded with a Study in Europe Fair, where future applicants explored educational opportunities available across the EU.

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The Erasmus Nigerian scholarship awards continue to be a powerful symbol of international academic collaboration and human capital development.

Oreoluwa Ojelabi

Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.