The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has disclosed plans to deepen and increase educational scholarships offered to Nigerian students and those from sub-Saharan countries.
Speaking during a conference of Forum of Saudi University Alumni in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its Neighboring Countries, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, said the qualitative development witnessed by education in the Kingdom reflects the leadership’s commitment to building a globally leading educational system-one that keeps pace with scientific and technological advances and enhances the Kingdom’s standing in international academic forums.
He also highlighted the importance of activating the role of the ‘Study in Saudi Arabia’ platform to boost the attraction of international students, enabling Saudi universities to fulfil their mission of disseminating knowledge and education and of building bridges of academic and cultural cooperation with countries around the world.
Mr Al-Marri added that the Ministry of Education, through its scholarship programs, seeks outcomes aligned with the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 by preparing and qualifying scientific talent capable of contributing to development in their home countries upon return, and by transferring the skills and expertise they acquired during their studies in the Kingdom across scientific and research fields.
He said the forum is among initiatives aimed at strengthening communication between Saudi universities and their non-Saudi graduates, following up on their positive roles and contributions in their communities, and highlighting the importance of reinforcing sound Islamic identity in the face of modern challenges.
On her part, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Saidu Ahmed, expressed her appreciation and gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support to international students through scholarship programs that provide opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange at Saudi universities.