The Government of India has awarded fully funded scholarships to 40 Nigerian students under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship programme, urging the beneficiaries to become ambassadors of stronger diplomatic, educational and cultural relations between Nigeria and India.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony in Abuja, India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, described the scholarship recipients as representatives of both countries with a unique responsibility to strengthen bilateral ties through academic excellence, cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Singh said the scholarship was more than financial assistance for higher education, stressing that it reflected India’s confidence in the ability of young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the future of both nations.
According to him, the ICCR scholarship programme, which has been in existence for over seven decades, has provided educational opportunities to students from nearly 160 countries, underscoring India’s commitment to promoting international cooperation through education and knowledge exchange.
“You are no longer just students. You are bridges between India and Nigeria. You are India’s guests and Nigeria’s ambassadors,” the High Commissioner told the scholars.
The beneficiaries are expected to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at some of India’s leading universities, where they will gain exposure to advanced research, innovation, technology and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Singh urged the students to approach their studies with discipline and dedication, emphasizing the need to comply with Indian laws, university regulations and local customs. He reminded them that maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 per cent is a key requirement for retaining the scholarship.
He also challenged the scholars to view the opportunity as an investment in Nigeria’s future by returning home after graduation to deploy the knowledge and expertise acquired abroad in addressing national development challenges.
According to the envoy, skills gained in strategic sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, science, technology and innovation would be critical to advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Singh further encouraged the students to serve as cultural ambassadors by promoting Nigeria’s rich traditions, music, fashion and values while embracing India’s diverse cultural landscape and centuries-old heritage.
He assured the beneficiaries of the continued support of the Indian High Commission throughout their academic journey and advised them to keep emergency contact details of the Indian High Commission, their respective universities and the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi readily available.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the High Commissioner disclosed that the 40 beneficiaries emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving more than 1,000 applicants, highlighting the growing interest of Nigerian youths in India’s educational opportunities.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians have benefited from the ICCR scholarship programme and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative over the years.
According to Singh, more than 25,000 Nigerians have received specialised training through ITEC in areas including information technology, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, public administration and enterprise development, reinforcing education and human capacity development as key pillars of the expanding Nigeria-India partnership.
Beyond education, the envoy highlighted the deepening economic relationship between both countries, revealing that bilateral trade is currently valued at approximately 9 billion US dollars.
He added that more than 70,000 Indians reside in Nigeria, managing nearly 200 Indian companies with investments estimated at about 30 billion US dollars, reflecting India’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Expressing optimism about the future of bilateral cooperation, Singh said Nigeria’s improving investment climate would attract more Indian investments while creating new opportunities for stronger commercial and economic partnerships.
He expressed confidence that the scholarship recipients would excel academically and return home equipped with the knowledge, skills and global exposure required to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
“I wish them every success. I am confident they will make both Nigeria and India proud,” he said.
