The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially canceled foreign training for scholars, shifting its focus to developing local institutions and training within the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Mauruf Alausa, announced this decision during the opening ceremony of a three-day conference organized by the British Council in Abuja. The conference, themed *”Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Institutions and Systems in Africa,”* highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system.
Local Training to Maximize Resources
Dr. Alausa explained that the funds previously spent on training one scholar abroad could train 20 scholars locally.
“We have decided to cancel foreign training for scholars. The amount of money we spend to train one person abroad can be used to train 20 people here. We will now train everyone locally,” he said.
He added that the government plans to invest heavily in building simulation laboratories and enhancing infrastructure in Nigerian universities, aiming to make the institutions globally competitive.
Enhancing UK-Africa Education Partnerships
Speaking at the event, Mr. Steve Smith, the UK Prime Minister’s International Education Champion, emphasized the importance of education as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
Smith highlighted the UK’s international education strategy, which aims to create globally connected education systems that promote knowledge sharing and innovation.
“In Africa, this includes listening to African voices and leaders to develop equitable UK-Africa partnerships that enhance people-to-people links, support research collaborations, and align educational goals with societal needs,” Smith said.
He reiterated the UK’s commitment to fostering partnerships built on mutual respect, aligning with Africa’s educational and developmental priorities.
A Vision for Self-Reliance
This policy shift reflects Nigeria’s focus on self-reliance and capacity building within its education sector. The government’s strategy aims to not only improve the quality of local education but also unlock more opportunities for international collaboration that respect and support Africa’s goals.
The move is expected to strengthen Nigerian universities and systems while retaining talent and resources within the country, fostering long-term growth and innovation.
