The European Union (EU) has unveiled a plan to invest €10.8 million in six Nigerian universities through the intra-Africa mobility scheme.
Idi Walson-Jack, the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of education, signed an agreement securing this opportunity for Nigerian universities during the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education in Brussels, Belgium.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the initiative aims to enhance learning mobility for students, trainees, and staff across Africa, with a focus on developing high-level green and digital skills.
The European Union will invest €27 million in education and healthcare sectors across Africa. Six Nigerian universities are among the beneficiaries of the 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme Projects, receiving funding under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa.
Each of the six projects under the Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme will receive €1.8 million, totaling €10.8 million in funding.
The participating Nigerian universities include the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the CB4EE and GREEN STEM projects, the University of Port-Harcourt for the CREATE-Green Africa project, the Ebonyi State University for the GENES II and ORPHAN projects, and the Federal University of Technology and the University of Nigeria for the HCE Solutions project. Each university’s participation underscores the collaborative effort towards advancing education and skill development in Africa.
Furthermore, Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner for International Partnership, launched the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, a key initiative of the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations. This academy will provide opportunities for formal and informal learning and exchanges, enabling young people to enhance their leadership skills and create networks between Africa and Europe.
Additionally, Nigeria will benefit from the regional Team Europe Initiative on opportunity-driven skills and vocational education and training in Africa. This initiative aims to align vocational training initiatives with concrete employment opportunities created by Global Gateway investments, fostering economic growth and development.
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