The European Union has awarded postgraduate scholarships to 142 young Nigerians for the 2024-25 session under its prestigious Erasmus+ programme.
It is the sixth consecutive year Nigerians have been the top recipients in Africa and top five globally.
Announced by the program organizers in Brussels, the initial batch of Nigerian awardees is set to begin their studies in September 2024, with the possibility of more beneficiaries being added.
These scholarships provide an opportunity for recipients to study in at least three different universities across multiple countries within and outside the EU over a 12-24 month period.
In a statement, the EU embassy in Abuja said Nigerians have been admitted to study Renewables-based Power Systems, Chemical Innovation and Regulation, Public Health in Disasters, Biorefinery, European MSc in Marine Environment 2030, Soil Science, Systems for Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering, and Sustainable Ship and Shipping, among others.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme, a key component of Erasmus+, offers scholars a master’s degree awarded jointly by a consortium of universities. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the EMJMD program, which has had a transformative impact on individuals, higher education institutions, and countries both within and outside the EU.
Erasmus+ not only offers flagship scholarship programs but also supports mobility and short stays in Europe for researchers, students, and staff, and enhances the capacity of universities and TVET institutions through joint projects with European partners. Horizon Europe, another funding programme, provides opportunities for Nigeria-based researchers and institutions, particularly through the “Africa Initiative II” aimed at African scientists.
