89 NIGERIAN STUDENTS SECURE FULLY FUNDED EU SCHOLARSHIPS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The European Union has awarded 89 fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships to Nigerian students for the 2026 academic session, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as the largest beneficiary of the programme in Africa.
The announcement was made by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, during the 2026 Erasmus Mundus Pre-Departure Orientation held in Abuja for successful candidates preparing to begin postgraduate studies in various European countries.
According to Mignot, 163 Nigerians secured admission into Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes this year, while 89 of them earned the highly competitive fully funded scholarships. The achievement places Nigeria at the top in Africa and among the five leading countries globally for admissions into the programme.
He noted that Nigeria’s performance mirrors its 2024 ranking and places the country alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and the United States among the programme’s strongest participants worldwide.
Mignot also revealed that the number of scholarship recipients increased from 81 in 2025 to 89 in 2026, bringing Nigeria closer to recording 1,000 beneficiaries since joining the initiative in 2014.
Describing Erasmus Mundus as one of the world’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarship schemes, the ambassador explained that it provides full funding for students to study at a minimum of two universities in different European countries, leading to joint, double or multiple master’s degrees.
He said the European Union remains committed to working with Nigeria to improve the country’s performance and expand opportunities for students seeking international education.
According to him, the programme demonstrates the EU’s commitment to creating legal and merit-based pathways for talented young Nigerians to access quality education and global exposure.
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While congratulating the beneficiaries, Mignot urged them to represent Nigeria positively during their studies and return home equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to national development.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, the Director of the Directorate of Students, Chinelo Nwosu, commended the EU for its continued investment in Nigeria’s human capital development.
She encouraged the students to remain focused, excel academically and return to support the country’s growth and development.
Also speaking, the Director of the Department of Scholarship Awards at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Liman K.A.A., who represented the Permanent Secretary, described the orientation programme as a celebration of excellence and a reflection of the enduring educational partnership between Nigeria and the European Union.
She urged the scholars to maintain exemplary conduct, embrace cultural diversity and serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria throughout their academic journey.
One of the beneficiaries, Oluchi Yulis Myron, said the scholarship would provide valuable international exposure and help her acquire skills that could strengthen Nigeria’s cultural and creative sectors.
She highlighted the programme’s mobility component, which allows participants to study in different countries, experience diverse cultures and gain broader global perspectives.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme remains the European Union’s flagship international scholarship initiative. Since Nigerians began participating in 2014, the country has consistently ranked among the programme’s top-performing nations globally, with the 2026 admissions further strengthening that reputation.
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