From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has announced the commencement of the application phase for the Erasmus+ Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for the year 2024.
EU, in a statement, on Tuesday, confirmed that the scope of the scholarship for 2024 exercise was widened to accommodate teaching and non-teaching staff of higher education institutions, for the purposes of promoting knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
The Union explained that the Erasmus Scholarship programme was designed to promote academic excellence and international collaboration, offer Nigerians the opportunity to pursue Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in European countries, fully-paid.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, underscored the significance of the initiative, which she described as a success story the EU is particularly proud of.
She confirmed that the EU said it has awarded postgraduate scholarships to over 800 young Nigerians since 2014.
“The Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme offers a beacon of opportunity for Nigerians seeking to advance their academic pursuits in Europe. It’s not only about expanding educational horizons but also about building bridges of knowledge and fostering cultural exchange,” she said.
She further stated that the Erasmus+ scholarships offer Nigerian students a gateway to experience world-class education, engage with diverse cultures, and broaden their academic horizons. “This year, the programme extends its scope to include teaching and non-teaching staff of higher education institutions, promoting knowledge-sharing and professional growth.”
She encouraged interested eligible Nigerians, including higher education institutions staff to visit the official Erasmus+ Scholarship website for comprehensive details on application procedures, eligibility criteria, available fields of study, and invaluable opportunities for career advancement.
Ambassador Isopi, however, reaffirmed EU’s commitment to skills development in its partnership with Nigeria, emphasising that “Erasmus+ nurtures not only individual development but also strengthens the bonds between Nigeria and the European Union through the power of education.”