Chidimma Uchegbu, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman (SAN), has reiterated the country’s commitment to global academic partnerships at the Qatar-Nigeria Educational Partnership Forum in Doha.
Professor Mamman identified three key areas for potential collaboration between Nigerian and Qatari institutions aimed at promoting academic excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations.
They include research partnerships to facilitate collaboration among researchers, student exchange programs enabling students to study in Qatar, and sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian scholars to undertake research in Qatar.
According to a press statement signed by Boriowo Falasade, a Director of Press in the ministry, the focus aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of internationalizing its education system, a key outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar.
The forum emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions in both countries. Nigerian scholars undertaking cutting-edge researches may have the opportunities sharing knowledge expertise and collaborations with top Qatar Universities.
It also addressed Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis. Qatar’s Education Above All initiative partners with the Kaduna State government to return 100,000 children to the classroom, focusing on girls and children with disabilities.
This pilot project is expected to will expand to other regions, ensuring greater access to quality education for underserved children. Qatar has had projects in Borno on learning in crisis situations.
Professor Mamman commended Qatar’s commitment and stressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration. “This partnership will address immediate educational needs and position our universities and scholars globally,” he remarked.
The Minister thanked the Qatari government, EAA Foundation, and partners for their support. The collaboration expects to create lasting impacts, improving access to basic education and enhancing Nigerian higher education institutions’ international standing.
