Keffi: Amb. Paulo Santos, Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, has pledged to explore and propose more opportunities to the Portuguese government for Nigerian students interested in studying in Portugal. Santos stated this at the 6th edition of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) Special Lecture Series held in Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Santos delivered the lecture on the topic: ‘Educational opportunities within the framework of Portugal-Nigeria bilateral relations’. He emphasized that Nigerian students constitute a significant portion of African students seeking admissions in Portuguese universities, highlighting the need to provide more space, support, and opportunities for them in Portugal.
The envoy explained that such initiatives would strengthen the Portugal-Nigeria bilateral relations despite Portugal’s traditional focus on five Portuguese-speaking African countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and Sao Tome and Principe. Santos acknowledged that resources are typically directed towards these countries, both financially and in terms of human resources, but expressed his commitment to advocating for Nigeria’s inclusion as well.
Santos pointed out that the advocacy was driven by the increasing number of Nigerian students interested in studying in Portugal annually and the existing healthy economic relationship between the two nations. He noted that Nigeria is a major supplier of energy to Portugal, particularly oil and gas, and that many Portuguese universities are already collaborating with African countries, including Nigeria.
He also shared that a recent scholarship program for Nigerian students in Europe saw a significant number going to Portugal, indicating a strong interest in Portuguese educational offerings. This interest, he said, makes the Portuguese embassy in Nigeria proud and keen to support more Nigerian students.
Santos commended the developmental achievements of Nasarawa State University and expressed his willingness to work closely with the institution to achieve shared goals. Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice Chancellor of the university, thanked the ambassador for his participation in the lecture series and praised his dedication to fostering Nigeria-Portugal relations.
Prof. Liman highlighted the lecture as a valuable opportunity for the university to explore potential collaborations in education, research, and culture with Portugal. She emphasized the importance of leveraging the growing bilateral relations to enhance educational opportunities that drive growth and development for both countries.
