Nigeria explores global academic collaborations with Qatar

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to global academic partnerships at the Qatar-Nigeria Educational Partnership Forum in Doha.

This is contained in a statement to newsmen by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Boriowo quoted Mamman to have identified three key areas for potential collaboration between Nigerian and Qatari institutions.

He listed the areas of collaboration to include research partnerships to facilitate collaboration among researchers and student exchange programmes enabling students to study in Qatar.

Other area is on sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian scholars to undertake research in Qatar.

According to the minister, this partnership aims to promote academic excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations.

“This focus aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of internationalising its education system, a key outcome of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar.

“The forum emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions in both countries.

“Nigerian scholars undertaking cutting-edge researches may have the opportunities sharing knowledge expertise and collaborations with top Qatar Universities.”

He added that the forum was also aimed at addressing out-of-school children crisis.

“Qatar’s Education Above All initiative partners with the Kaduna State government to return 100,000 children to the classroom, focusing on girls and children with disabilities.

“This pilot project is expected to expand to other regions, ensuring greater access to quality education for underserved children. Qatar has had projects in Borno on learning in crisis situations.”

Mamman commended Qatar’s commitment and stressed Nigeria’s readiness to deepen collaboration.

“This partnership will address immediate educational needs and position our universities and scholars globally,” he remarked.