As part of efforts aimed at improving the nation’s education, Lagos State government has said it is ready to collaborate with the government of Russia in the area of research, innovation, vocational studies among others.

This was revealed when the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, on behalf of the state government received a Russian delegation on a courtesy visit to Lagos.

According to her, “you have taken a wise decision to visit us in Lagos because Nigeria has thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory. But Lagos is the pride of Africa. Lagos is fast becoming the Harvard of Nigeria. We are also happy that you offer African languages in your institution. You can add Yoruba language.”

On her part, Advisor to the Rector office-Deputy Vice Rector for Youth Policy, social work and International Relations at MGIMO University, Ekaterina Alexeevna Shuvalova   disclosed Russia is offering scholarships to Nigerians.

“We have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Lagos in the area of research. Those studying Russia language will have the opportunity to travel to Russia to learn more.”

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said: “We are looking at how we can encourage exchange programmes in the area of innovation, research, teaching and learning. We would like to escalate this conversations to involve the vice chancellors in our institutions to design how we can encourage exchange programmes.”

He advised the delegation to join the European Union annual Education Fair in Lagos. To him,  it has helped many Nigerians gain admission to European universities.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, observed that youths constitute sixty percent of the population in the state.

“So, we are consistently looking for opportunities both at home and abroad for cater for this huge youth population. We can work together on how the youths can apply for the scholarships.”