With 104 young Nigerians awarded scholarships on Friday, Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s top recipient of the European Union-funded postgraduate Erasmus Mundus programme for the 2025–2026 academic session.

The scholarship, which is part of the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Plus programme, will enable these Nigerians to acquire a targeted set of interdisciplinary skills that will prepare them for careers as practitioners, researchers, or decision-makers in their chosen fields.

A statement by the EU on Tuesday noted that Nigeria is the leading country in Africa for Erasmus participation and among the global top five alongside a trio of South Asian countries and Mexico.

Speaking during this year’s Erasmus Plus Pre-Departure Orientation event in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, while congratulating the awardees, noted that they went through a very competitive, global application process.

“Over 15,000 applications were made, and today, you stand among the selected few. You should be proud of yourselves and so are we.

“This year, so far, 104 Nigerian students are starting their Erasmus Masters in September, out of which 83 of them, almost 80 per cent have secured fully funded Erasmus scholarships,” he said.

Amb Mignot noted that since 2014, over 800 Nigerians have been awarded Erasmus scholarships, with over 600 in the last four years.

”This is a testament to the brilliance, determination, and potential of Nigerian youth as well as the strength of our partnership,” he said.

Addressing the awardees on what they should expect in the next two years of the programme, he said, “Erasmus Plus is not your typical study programme. It is a unique, transformative journey.

“Over the next 12 to 24 months, you will live, study and grow across several countries, experiencing different cultures, educational systems, and ways of life.

“Most of you will be in EU member states but the programmes are getting more international.

“Erasmus Mundus is open to universities worldwide, and some of you will be starting in Türkiye or the UK, while others will spend a later part at other countries further afield.

“There is also a great mix of universities involved – from classic academic-focused universities to technical universities or polytechnics with a more vocational orientation.

Mignot added, “At the end of your studies, you will not only hold an internationally recognised master’s degree from some of the world’s top universities, but you will also carry with you a wealth of global experiences, lifelong friendships and a broader perspective on the world.”

He highlighted the impact of education in empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and shaping nations.

”This is why the European Union continues to invest in education in Nigeria, not just through Erasmus, but also through initiatives supporting basic education, girls’ education, and educational access in areas affected by insecurity, particularly in the North-West.

“It also reflects our commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, a country of immense potential, vibrant talents, and bright young leaders like all of you here today,” he added.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the Erasmus scholarship programme as far more than an academic opportunity.

“It is a call to serve as ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and cooperation,” he said.

Olawande, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Ebiho Agun, commended the EU for its continued investment in human capital, and for recognising that young people are the drivers of change, innovation, and sustainable development.

Addressing the awardees, he said, “You are about to embark on a journey that will equip you with world-class education, expose you to diverse perspectives, and broaden your vision of what is possible, not only for yourselves but for our nation.

”As you travel to different parts of Europe, remember that you carry with you the spirit of Nigeria, its energy, resilience, and hope.

“Your presence will serve as a bridge between continents, connecting cultures, and deepening mutual understanding between Nigeria and the European Union.”

A recipient of the Erasmus Masters in Research and Innovation in Higher Education, Stephen Agboola, said, “This is a broader opportunity for me to practically engage in the intricate dynamics of higher education because the ways of education are changing in the global stage, and I see it as a unique opportunity to come on board to acquire knowledge, particularly in the area of innovation and technology.

“This programme will allow me to leverage, key in, and learn. I see it as the next step for me in my career.

“With this, I’m able to rethink innovation, especially in Nigeria. I thank the European Union for the scholarship. I look forward to a great experience.”

Another awardee, Louisa Asor, expressed excitement about the opportunity to study cyber security in France through the programme.

She said, “This means a lot to me, especially since cyber security is a field I am very passionate about.

”This opportunity will help me achieve my goals and will help me to come out of my shell and be in a space that I am not used to; to immerse myself in a different culture, to be open-minded, and to meet people from every walk of life. Thank you, European Union.”

The event also featured the Study in Europe Fair, where future applicants explored educational opportunities available across the 27 EU member states.