Nigeria, France To deepen Relations In Science, Technology

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Campus France to collaborate in joint research and promotion of innovation, training of qualified Nigerian academics in French higher educational institutions, scholars/students exchanges and support for French language immersion programme.

The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arc. Sonny Echono, signed the MOU on behalf of the Fund in Paris, while attending an event tagged “Nigeria Days in France” organized by the French Embassy and Campus France to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in the fields of higher education and research, with  the full support of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

According to a statement issued by TETFUND Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, the Agreement which was witnessed by the Nigerian Ambassador to France, His Excellency, Kayode Laro and the France Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Emmanuelle Blatmann, Campus France would assist in facilitating the placement of the Fund scholars in specialized institutions in France at very low tuition, particularly in the areas of Science, Technology and Engineering which are germane to the technological and economic development of Nigeria.

The TETFUND boss noted that the programme would also expose scholars to world class facilities, encourage collaboration between French and Nigerian scholars in carrying out cutting-edge research and innovation, as well as providing opportunity for students and staff exchange.

It also revealed that the Forum which had Representatives of 29 French Tertiary Institutions and 7 Vice Chancellors of leading universities in Nigeria explored avenues for linkages, partnerships and the integration of Nigerian and French cultures considering the fact that Nigeria is bordered mainly by francophone countries.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum, the TETFUND boss expressed delight and confidence, stating that drawing from the success recorded in similar partnerships between Campus France and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), he was confident of the positive outcomes derivable from the agreement, especially given the high global ranking of participating institutions and the cost advantage, compared with similar institutions in the United Kingdom and United States of America.