The Russian government has announced plans to significantly expand educational opportunities for international students, with a long-term goal of offering up to 500,000 scholarships, a move that includes Nigerian applicants.
This was revealed by the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday night. The event was part of preparations for the upcoming celebration of Russia Day, scheduled for June 12.
Ambassador Podelyshev highlighted Russia’s renewed commitment to strengthening academic and diplomatic ties with African nations, especially Nigeria, through increased access to Russian higher education.
“In line with President Vladimir Putin’s directive, we are working toward hosting up to half a million foreign students in Russian universities in the future,” he said.
Currently, fewer than 250,000 international students are enrolled in Russian institutions, including approximately 32,000 from Africa and around 2,000 from Nigeria.
To meet the 500,000 target, Podelyshev noted, annual scholarship allocations will be steadily increased.
For the 2025 academic session, the Russian government has approved 220 scholarship slots for Nigerian students, with preparations underway for them to begin studies by September.
These scholarships cover tuition and living expenses, while the cost of travel is expected to be handled by the home governments of the beneficiaries.
The ambassador emphasized that the scholarship initiative is part of Russia’s broader strategy to build long-term partnerships with countries like Nigeria, particularly in sectors such as nuclear energy and industrial development.
“If Russia is involved in reviving industries such as Ajaokuta Steel or developing nuclear energy infrastructure in Nigeria, we will need qualified Nigerian experts trained in Russia to lead those efforts,” Podelyshev explained.
He also revealed that future plans include establishing frameworks to ensure scholarship recipients return home to contribute to national development, rather than seek permanent relocation abroad.
“When students understand they are being prepared for key national projects awaiting them at home, they will be more motivated to return and put their knowledge to use,” he said.
