In a significant stride towards bolstering research and learning mobility, the European Union (EU) and Nigeria have solidified their collaboration during the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education held in Brussels. European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, sealed an agreement committing €18 million in EU support.
The allocated funding aims to enhance research and development capacities in Nigeria, with a particular focus on implementing the national plan for the pharmaceutical industry and local production of vaccines and medical technologies. Commissioner Urpilainen reiterated the EU's steadfast commitment to global education transformation and narrowing skills gaps.
Under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), the funding will facilitate various initiatives. These include skill development through education and training, promotion of research in cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence and nanotechnology, and digitization of critical healthcare aspects. Additionally, efforts will be directed towards establishing a centralized system for forecasting, procurement, and distribution of quality medical products.
Commissioner Urpilainen also announced 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa, with a €27 million allocation. These projects aim to provide learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees, and staff across the continent, with a focus on high-level green and digital skills. Nigeria stands to benefit from six projects targeting areas such as engineering education, climate research, and clean energy solutions.
The EU's commitment to education stands out, as it is the leading investor in education worldwide. With more than 50% of all official development aid to education originating from EU institutions and Member States, the EU has dedicated substantial resources to education, committing approximately 13% of its budget from 2021-2023, amounting to around €3 billion.
Article by RB Correspodent
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