By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

The European Union (EU) has called for applications in its 2023 Erasmus+ postgraduate scholarship programme.

The programme is in its continuous bid to expand higher education opportunities available to young Nigerian graduates.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, disclosed this in a statement made available in Abuja on Tuesday.

Isopi said that the number of Nigerians selected for the Erasmus+ scholarship programme quadrupled in the last four years, rising from 44 awardees in 2019, to over 200 young Nigerians in 2022.

“The steep rise in the number of Nigerians benefiting from the programme in recent years reflects the premium the EU places on its partnership with the country.

“It also reaffirms the EU’s commitment to ramping up programmes and activities targeting Nigeria’s vibrant young people,” she said.

The ambassador said the Erasmus+ was the EU’s flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport, which offers beneficiaries scholarships to study in some of the most prestigious universities within and outside Europe.

“It also enables youths, students, staff and higher education institutes to study or work with European Higher education institutions.’’

Isopi said the programme provided beneficiaries with opportunities for mobility and cooperation with partner countries beyond Europe, focusing on its qualitative impact and contributing to more inclusive and cohesive, greener and digitally fit societies.

She added that through the programme, young Nigerians would be equipped with the education, skills and competences they need to thrive in a globalised economy, hence, contributing to nation-building.

She said the programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic processes, especially as Nigeria draws closer to another election cycle.

Other benefits of the programme, she said included improved career prospects, increased entrepreneurship capacities, boosted digital competences and foreign language.

She said the studies, which were expected to run for 12 to 24 months, would see each beneficiary studying in different universities in at least two EU member states.

While urging Nigerians and Nigerian higher education institution to take advantage of the provided opportunities for investment in knowledge, skills and competences, Isopi said interested Nigerians could check the EU’s social media handles for information on application. (NAN)

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