Kano Plans Overseas Sponsorship of 1,002 Students, Strengthens Ties with Europe
In a bold move to expand educational opportunities for its youth, the Kano State Government has announced plans to sponsor 1,002 students for overseas studies in 2025. This initiative follows the successful sponsorship of 1,001 students last year, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to equip its young population with world-class education and global competitiveness.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, during a courtesy visit by a European Union (EU) delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair, scheduled to take place in Kano on February 27, 2025. The delegation, led by Gautier Mignot, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, included representatives from several EU member states.
Deputy Governor Gwarzo described the sponsorship program as a “bridge for creating a future where the youth of Kano can access world-class education and participate fully in the global knowledge economy.” He emphasized that education remains a top priority for the Kano State Government, which has allocated the highest budgetary resources to the sector in Nigeria for 2024 and 2025. The government has also declared a State of Emergency in Education to ensure that young people receive quality education and acquire skills necessary to thrive in the modern world.
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Gwarzo expressed gratitude to the EU for its continued support and collaboration, noting that the Study in Europe Fair is a testament to the commitment of international partners to the development of Nigeria’s educational system. “As a state that has long been a center of trade, culture, and education, Kano stands to gain immensely from international collaborations such as this,” he said. “We look forward to a successful event that will empower our youth, enhance educational exchange, and contribute to the overall economic and social development of Kano, Nigeria, and West Africa.”
Ambassador Mignot highlighted the significance of the Study in Europe Fair, which has been held in Kano in previous years. The event brings together European higher education institutions, academic scholars, and students, providing them with information on study programs and opportunities in Europe. This year, around 20 university representatives from EU member states are participating, many of whom are visiting Kano for the first time.
“The goal is to establish new contacts, partnerships, friendships, and student exchanges,” Mignot said. “We hope to see scholars from Kano traveling to Europe and, in the future, European scholars coming to Kano as well.” He added that the initiative aims to promote people-to-people connections and strengthen educational collaboration between Europe and Kano.
The EU delegation included Amb. Michal Cygan of the Polish Embassy to Nigeria, Jurgew Bartelink, Deputy Ambassador 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.
The 2025 Study in Europe Fair is expected to further solidify the educational ties between Kano State and European institutions, providing students with valuable opportunities to pursue higher education abroad and fostering cross-cultural exchange. With the Kano State Government’s commitment to sponsoring over 1,000 students annually, the initiative is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education and youth development in the region.
*Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu*
*Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kano State*
*February 27, 2025*
