Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, has told the 179 Bilateral Education Agreement beneficiaries leaving for Russia on Wednesday that Nigeria is investing heavily in them and that they are expected to repay the investment by returning to help move the country forward.
On Tuesday, the minister advised students to maintain good behaviour and concentrate on their studies.
Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of Tertiary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, represented the minister, said:
“Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very necessary based on our experiences from Ukraine.
“I, therefore, advise you not to see this as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be a disgrace to you, your parents and the country. Nigeria is investing a lot in you and expects that the returns of the investment will manifest in your coming back to help move your nation forward.
“You must also strive to abide by the laws of your host country and remember to be your brother’s keeper.
“Your selection as scholars is part of a broader plan of deepening the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which ensures that brilliant Nigerians, especially those that cannot afford to study programmes that are not readily available in Nigeria, are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.
“Your parents are also spending a lot of resources on you. Note that we all expect you to return to our dear country at the end of your studies to assist Nigeria to become a better place by contributing your quota to its development, using your new knowledge and skills.
“I enjoin the parents of the awardees to always keep in prayers and encourage them with sound advice at all times. You are further advised to make your parents and Nigeria proud by being worthy ambassadors in the country of your studies.”
cc: Punch Ng
