The European Union, through its ‘Study in Europe Fair,’ has provided Nigerian students with direct access to information on studying in Europe, presenting opportunities to explore a wide range of academic programs and disciplines.
The ‘2025 EU Study in Europe Fair’ is a collaborative initiative spearheaded by the EU Delegation to Nigeria, with active participation from EU Member States. It took place simultaneously in Lagos and Kano.
The event’s goal was to highlight European higher education options, including academic programs, research, and scholarship opportunities, while connecting prospective Nigerian students with representatives from European universities and higher education institutions.
In a statement issued by the EU on Sunday, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized that by showcasing European universities and their offerings, the EU is broadening students’ educational horizons, helping them make well-informed decisions about studying abroad.
He also noted that the fair encourages cultural exchange by connecting Nigerian students with representatives from various European countries. “This fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse cultures, benefiting both Nigerian students and European institutions. It prepares Nigerian students for a globalized workforce,” Mignot stated. He added that the event also supports collaboration between academic institutions by promoting partnerships, joint research, and student exchange programs, which enhances mobility, academic networks, and knowledge-sharing.
Mignot highlighted the knowledge gap that exists among Nigerian students regarding academic opportunities in Europe. “The fair helps provide up-to-date information about scholarships, funding options, and the application process, ensuring that students are well-prepared when making decisions about their studies,” he said.
The fair offered students the chance to meet and interact with professors and representatives from renowned European universities and business schools from countries such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain. They provided details on available educational and research opportunities, visa procedures, and practical aspects of life in Europe.
Additionally, there are other scholarship and grant opportunities available through the Erasmus+ programs for 2021 to 2027, which aim to support internationalization, mobility, and capacity building in higher and vocational education. These include Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, Erasmus Mundus Design Measures, Jean Monnet Activities, International Credit Mobility, Capacity Building for Higher Education, and Virtual Exchanges.
“I encourage students, alumni, and educators to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by this study fair, as it will help build an education system that connects Africa and Europe, strengthens our economies, and fosters a brighter future for all,” Mignot concluded.
Other EU-supported education programs in Nigeria include: European Union Basic Education in Nigeria, Technical Assistance for the Reform of the TVET Sector in Nigeria, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Horizon Europe Nigeria, and the EU-ECOWAS Scholarship Program on Sustainable Energy.