Twenty Nigerian students have been awarded scholarships to study at the prestigious European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin, Germany. This initiative, secured by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, aims to provide educational opportunities for Nigerian students and strengthen ties between Nigeria and Germany.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by Lars Windhorst, a prominent German entrepreneur and co-founder of the Sapinda Group, where the scholarships were announced, Ambassador Tuggar expressed his gratitude for this generous gesture. He emphasized the importance of such opportunities in empowering Nigerian students and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for the country’s development.

“These scholarships represent a unique opportunity for our students to gain world-class education and bring back the skills necessary for our nation’s development. ESMT’s reputation as one of the best business schools in Europe makes this an extraordinary chance for the recipients,” said Tuggar.

Jörg Rocholl, President of ESMT Berlin, also expressed his excitement about welcoming Nigerian students to the institution. “We are delighted to extend these scholarships to Nigerian students and to welcome them into our diverse and dynamic academic community. We believe that they will bring valuable perspectives to our programs and return to Nigeria equipped to make meaningful contributions to their country’s future,” Rocholl said.

During his speech, Ambassador Tuggar urged attending dignitaries to consider investment opportunities in Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration aimed at attracting foreign investment. He emphasized the importance of these reforms in creating a more favorable investment climate and called on the Global North to invest in Africa’s infrastructure, prioritizing developmental impact over geopolitical interests.

Founded in 2002 by 25 leading global companies, ESMT Berlin is known for its emphasis on leadership, innovation, and analytics. It offers a variety of programs, including Master’s degrees, MBA, PhD programs, and executive education. The institution is accredited by several prestigious organizations, including AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation), ensuring high standards in business education.

This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the educational ties between Nigeria and Germany while providing Nigerian students with the opportunity to gain world-class education and contribute to their country’s development upon their return.