A total of 104 young Nigerians have been awarded the prestigious European Union-funded Erasmus Mundus postgraduate scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic session. The programme, which offers fully funded study opportunities across multiple countries, is part of the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s initiative aimed at developing globally competent professionals and researchers.
Speaking at the Erasmus Plus Pre-Departure Orientation in Abuja, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, congratulated the recipients, noting they were selected from over 15,000 applicants worldwide.
“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 added that more than 800 Nigerians have benefitted from the Erasmus programme since 2014, with over 600 awarded scholarships in the last four years alone. He described this as proof of Nigeria’s growing academic excellence and the strength of its relationship with the EU.
He also explained that Erasmus is not just a study programme but a life-changing journey.
“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.”
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi.
He noted that while most students will be based in EU countries, some will begin their programmes in Turkey or the UK and may spend time in other countries depending on the structure of their course.
“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.”
Beyond Erasmus, the EU continues to invest in education in Nigeria, including basic education, girls’ education, and expanding access in areas affected by insecurity.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also praised the programme, calling it more than just an academic pursuit.
“It is a call to serve as Ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and cooperation,” said Ebiho Agun, who represented the Minister.
He urged the awardees to embrace the experience and represent Nigeria with dignity.
“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… As you travel to different parts of Europe, remember that you carry with you the spirit of Nigeria, its energy, resilience, and hope.”
Some of the awardees also shared their excitement and goals. Stephen Agboola, selected for the Erasmus Masters in Research and Innovation in Higher Education, described the opportunity as a career-defining moment.
“This programme will allow me to leverage, key in, and learn. I view it as the next step in my career. With this, I’m able to rethink innovation, especially in Nigeria.”
Another recipient, Louisa Asor, who will be studying cybersecurity in France, expressed her gratitude.
“This means a lot to me, especially since cybersecurity is a field I am very passionate about… It will allow me to immerse myself in a different culture, be open-minded, and meet people from diverse walks of life.”
The event also featured the Study in Europe Fair, where prospective students explored opportunities to study in any of the 27 EU Member States.
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