Speaking at the Pre-departure briefing on Tuesday, Minister
of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, advised them to return to the country upon
completion of their studies to help move Nigeria forward.
This was as the minister advised them to uphold and eschew
good values, focus on their studies and be good ambassadors of their country.
Mamman, who congratulated the awardees, particularly
explained that Nigeria was investing a lot in them and expecting that the
returns of the investment would manifest in their coming back to help move
their nation forward.
Noting that the awardees were few out of thousands who
secured the opportunity, the minister tasked the students not to take the
opportunity for granted.
Speaking through his representative and Director of Tertiary
Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Rakiya Gambo Iliyasu, the
minister advised the scholars to strive to abide by the laws of their host
country as well as remembering to be their brother’s keeper.
“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.,” he added.
He said: “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.
“I am happy to inform you that despite the global economic
meltdown, the number of our development partners have Increased and many of
them now offer scholarship to Nigeria.
”As you prepare to travel out, ensure to uphold and eschew
good – values, focus on your studies and be a good ambassador of your country.
”I therefore need to 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. Most importantly, you need to
make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very
necessary based on our experiences in Ukraine.
“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.”