Nigeria has awarded scholarships to 20 Nigerian students to study at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin, Germany. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for Nigerian students and strengthen the connection between Nigeria and Germany.
The scholarships were announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a dinner hosted by Lars Windhorst, a well-known German entrepreneur and co-founder of the Sapinda Group, at the China Club in Berlin.
Ambassador Tuggar expressed his appreciation for the scholarships, highlighting their importance in providing Nigerian students with top-notch education and skills that will benefit Nigeria’s development. “These scholarships offer our students a chance to receive world-class education and acquire skills that will contribute to our nation’s growth. ESMT’s reputation as a leading business school in Europe makes this a remarkable opportunity for them,” Tuggar said.
He also emphasized that the programme would help strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Germany. “This initiative will improve our students’ academic futures and foster greater mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries,” he added.
Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT Berlin, welcomed the Nigerian students and shared his excitement about their arrival. He said, “We are excited to offer these scholarships to Nigerian students and to have them join our diverse academic community. We believe they will provide valuable perspectives and return to Nigeria ready to make a big impact on their country’s future.”
During his speech, Ambassador Tuggar also encouraged the attending dignitaries to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria. He highlighted the ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at attracting foreign investment. “Nigeria is undergoing major economic changes, including the removal of the PMS subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate. These reforms are intended to create a better investment environment. We invite investors to be part of this transformation,” Tuggar said.
He also urged the Global North to invest in Africa’s infrastructure, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term geopolitical interests. “Investments in Africa should support infrastructure that promotes sustainable development, rather than being driven by immediate geopolitical concerns,” he added.
Founded in 2002 by leading global companies, ESMT Berlin is known for its focus on leadership, innovation, and analytics. It offers a range of programs, including Master’s degrees, MBA, PhD programmes, and executive education. ESMT is accredited by several prestigious organizations, including AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and FIBAA, ensuring high standards in business education.
