Nigeria explores global academic collaboration with Qatar

By Augustine Aminu

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

Mamman identified three key areas for potential collaboration between Nigerian and Qatari institutions.

These include research partnerships to facilitate collaboration among researchers, student exchange programs enabling students to study in Qatar, and sabbatical opportunities for Nigerian scholars to undertake research in Qatar. This partnership aims to promote academic excellence and cultural exchange between the two nations.

The statement obtained from the Ministry of Education said the collaboration focus aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of internationalizing its education system, a key outcome of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar.

It said 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.

The forum addressing Nigeria’s 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 will 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.

The Minister thanked the Qatari government, EAA Foundation, and partners for their support. The collaboration expects to create lasting impacts, improving access to basic education and enhancing Nigerian higher education institutions’ international standing.