The Kano State Government has once again demonstrated its dedication to advancing educational opportunities by announcing plans to sponsor an additional 1,002 students for overseas studies—building on last year’s sponsorship of 1,001 students.
During a courtesy visit by the European Union Delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair in Kano, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo explained that this initiative is designed to serve as a “bridge for creating a future where the youth of Kano could access world-class education and participate fully in the global knowledge economy,” according to his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu.
Gwarzo emphasized that education remains a top priority for the Kano state Government, which has allocated the highest budget to the sector in Nigeria for 2024 and 2025. He also noted that a state of emergency in education has been declared, ensuring that young people receive quality instruction and skills necessary to compete in the modern world.
Expressing gratitude to the EU for its ongoing support, Gwarzo highlighted that the Study in Europe Fair reflects the dedication of international partners to enhancing Nigeria’s educational system. “As a state renowned for its history of trade, culture, and education, Kano stands to benefit greatly from such international collaborations. We anticipate that this event will empower our youth, foster educational exchanges, and boost the economic and social development of Kano, Nigeria, and West Africa,” he remarked.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who led the delegation, stated that the primary purpose of their visit is the Study in Europe Fair, scheduled for February 27, 2025. Joined by representatives from several EU member states, Mignot recalled that previous editions of the fair in Kano have successfully connected European higher education institutions with Nigerian academic scholars and students, providing detailed insights into study programs and opportunities in Europe.
He added that the event is expected to forge new partnerships, facilitate student exchanges, and nurture personal connections—ideally resulting in scholars traveling to Europe and European academics visiting Kano. Notably, 20 university representatives were in attendance, many for their first visit, underscoring the fair’s role in strengthening educational ties between Europe and Kano.
Also present were Amb. Michal Cygan from the Polish Embassy to Nigeria, Jurgew Bartelink—Deputy Ambassador from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Leila Ben Mathieu—Head of Human Development at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, and Kristof Korosi—Deputy Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria.
