The European Union (EU) has declared open, applications for the 2023 Erasmus postgraduate scholarship programme.
The scholarship programme is part of its bid to expand higher education opportunities available to young Nigerian graduates. The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Samuela Isopi announced this via Press Release.
It reads; “The Erasmus is 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.
“The Erasmus programme provides 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.”
The statement further explained that through the programme, young Nigerians will be equipped with the education, skills and competencies they need to thrive in a globalised economy, hence, contributing to nation-building.
It noted that 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, according to the statement, include improved career prospects, increased entrepreneurship capacities, boosted digital competencies and foreign language etc.
The statement added: “The studies, which are expected to run for 12 to 24 months, will see each beneficiary studying in different universities in at least two EU Member States.
“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 EU urges Nigerians and Nigerian Higher Education Institutes to take advantage of the provided opportunities for investment in knowledge, skills and competencies.
“Interested Nigerians can check the EU’s social media handles for information on how to apply for this year’s scholarship programme.”
