The Federal Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to fostering global partnerships and enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerian students. This was highlighted during a recent meeting between Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, and Dr. Luke Wood, President of California State University, Sacramento, who visited the country on a working tour.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ahmad emphasized the importance of international collaborations in transforming Nigeria’s education sector. She stated, “As a developing nation, we recognize the critical role global partnerships play in shaping our education sector. Through mutual collaboration, we aim to empower our students with world-class knowledge, enabling them to return and enrich our systems back home.”
As part of the initiative, Nigeria is conducting a comprehensive review of existing agreements with international institutions to ensure alignment with national objectives. The aim is to maximize the benefits of these partnerships for students and drive meaningful development across sectors. A central focus of this effort is securing scholarships to enable more Nigerians to access high-quality education abroad.
Dr. Ahmad stressed that the ministry’s efforts extend beyond facilitating overseas studies. The ultimate goal is to bolster Nigeria’s educational framework by integrating the expertise and innovation that returning scholars bring back.
During the meeting, Dr. Luke Wood shared insights into California State University, Sacramento’s inclusive programs and initiatives. Highlighting the university’s commitment to equity, he noted, “Sacramento State is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving, Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, as well as one of the few Black-Serving Institutions in the western U.S.”
Dr. Wood also spotlighted programs like Project Freedom, which supports formerly incarcerated students, and Artic Scholars, guaranteeing admission to foster youth. Additionally, he discussed the Black Arms College, an initiative focusing on Black history and culture, aimed at serving over 1,000 students within four years.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and collaboration, urging stakeholders at home and abroad to support the mission of building a knowledge-driven future for Nigeria.
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