EU, Nigeria to deepen relations as NSUK holds lecture series
As part of efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties between the European Union and Nigeria in the area of education, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot alongside his Polish counterpart, Ambassador Michal Cygan will attend a special lecture series at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
The event which is expected to hold on Thursday 15, May 2025, will have Mignot delivering a lecture titled, “The European Union, a Reliable Partner for Nigeria and the World,” with his counterpart, Cygan delivering a goodwill remark.
The event will feature the induction of the first graduating set of European Studies students from Nasarawa State University Institute of European Studies.
Expected in attendance are the chief host of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, Professor K’tso Ngargbu, Director of Linkages and International Cooperation, Professor Ari Maikano, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, and other principal staff of the university.
Prof. Ngargbu is expected to deliver a brief history of the Institute, underscoring the institutes founding purpose, achievements, mutual gains, and prospects.
The relationship between Nasarawa State University and the European Union has continued to blossom. The institution has emerged as a hub for European Studies in West Africa through research collaborations, scholarships, and institutional support. Several graduates and staff have benefited from EU-funded postgraduate programmes in Europe, building capacity and fostering global academic ties.
The European Union stands out as one of Nigeria’s most reliable partners in development. Through programs like the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), the EU has made significant investments aimed at fostering democratic values, enhancing transparency, and promoting inclusive governance. Educational programmes such Erasmus+, and Erasmus Mundus has supported over 1,500 Nigerian scholars to pursue postgraduate studies in Europe. The Expand, Integrate, and Strengthen Systems (EISS) programme is another initiative that has supported capacity development of Nigerian teachers in order to enhance the quality of education particularly in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Plateau, and Oyo states.
At the 2025 EU Day celebration in Abuja, Ambassador Mignot said the EU has committed over €300 million to Nigeria through its Global Gateway initiative. This funding is set to boost efforts in energy transition, governance, education, and trade across Africa.
As NSUK braces up to host this important event, it symbolises more than just a celebration of diplomacy and academic success; it also signifies a deepening of EU-Nigeria relations, rooted in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a dedication to sustainable development.
