Russia/Ukraine war: Nigerian students to continue studies online, in other nations

Nigerian students, whose programmes were abruptly interrupted by the Russia-Ukraine war, would continue their studies online and in other admitting institutions of choice.

Addressing the 36th media briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel Aduda, noted that besides those institutions that have begun virtual classes since the outset of the conflict, other universities in neighbouring nations, with similar curricular to Ukraine’s, have readily offered Nigerian students admissions to complete their studies.

Aduda, who joined the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, during the session, explained that all admission processes must be done through the Nigerian missions.

His words: “Some universities have continued their classes online. But also, some universities in neighbouring countries such as Romania have reached out to us to offer placement to our students, who want to continue their studies physically.

“However, all processing must be done through Nigerian missions. That’s the only way these nations can know that the students were in Ukraine.

“Education desks are being set up in our missions and the government is happy to help get them (students) placement in universities that have offered to help.

“The forms will be available to students. A lot of students are being taken in. In Romania, some universities have opened their hostels to Nigerian students fleeing the war to continue their studies.”

Dada, on his part, said government was seeking justice for Itunu Babalola, the 21-year-old trader, who was wrongfully jailed and died in Cote d’ Ivoire late last year.

He said staff of the Nigerian embassy in Abidjan underwrote the legal bills of the deceased.