The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has described the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme as a transformative force advancing education, innovation, and human capital development in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Represented by Dr. Ejeh Usman, Director of Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, he said the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the center of national transformation.
Speaking at the 2025 Erasmus+ National Information Day in Abuja, Dr. Alausa commended the European Union for its commitment to Nigeria’s education sector. He noted that since 2021, more than 500 Nigerian students and academics have benefited from Erasmus+ scholarships and exchange programs. The Minister called on the EU to increase Nigeria’s scholarship quota and pledged that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the EU to expand access to Erasmus+ opportunities.
Director of University Education, Mrs. Rakiya Ilyasu, described Erasmus+ as a €570 million Sub-Saharan Africa initiative (2021–2027) that promotes education, youth development, and innovation. She urged participants to take advantage of the programme’s focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Zissimos Vergos, reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s education growth, highlighting 11 ongoing joint projects involving Nigerian institutions in STEM, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.
The Ministry emphasized its dedication to strengthening global education partnerships and using learning as a key driver of national development.