News
EU Offers Postgraduate Scholarships to 142 Young Nigerians Under its Erasmus+ programme

EU Offers Postgraduate Scholarships to 142 Young Nigerians Under its Erasmus+ programme
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has offered postgraduate scholarships to 142 young Nigerians in top European universities in the 2024-25 academic session, under its flagship educational programme, Erasmus+.
Nigeria with this number, retains its number one spot among beneficiaries of the EU postgraduate scholarships in Africa for the 6th year, as well as a place among the top five recipient countries globally.
At a pre-departure orientation organised for the scholarship awardees in Abuja on Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi, underlined the significance of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme, now in its 20th year, with its highly transformative impact on individuals, higher education institutions, and countries both within and outside of the EU.
The 142 Nigerian EMJMD awardees are among the initial batch of beneficiaries, announced by the organisers of the programme in Brussels. The number is likely to increase. Most of awardees will start their Erasmus plus journey in September 2024. The pre-departure orientation aimed to provide the recipients with hands-on tips on how to make the best of the immense opportunities inherent in the prestigious scholarship.
The programmes that will run for 12-24 months, with each beneficiary studying in at least three different universities in as many countries within and outside the EU during the period.
The Nigerian awardees have been admitted into some of the most in-demand cutting-edge programmes including: Renewables-based Power Systems, Chemical Innovation and Regulation, Public Health in Disasters, Bio refinery, European MSc in Marine Environment 2030, Soils science, Systems for Sustainable Engineering, Sustainable Mineral and Metal Processing Engineering, Sustainable Ship and Shipping – and several more.
On the successful completion of the programme, an EMJMD scholar will receive a master degree to be jointly awarded by a consortium of universities, in the framework of the EMJMD programme – a key component of Erasmus+.
Over the last two decades, Erasmus Mundus has brought together top universities from all over the EU and beyond to jointly organise excellent Master’s courses, merging the best parts of each national programme to form a new, integrated and unique international study programme. The programme offers a unique appeal to prospective students, with its high academic standards, unparalleled mobility paths and attractive financial support.
The EU has been ramping up support to Nigeria’s higher education sector through its key funding programmes – Erasmus+ in the higher education sector, and Horizon Europe for research and innovation.
Erasmus+ offers many opportunities apart from its flagship scholarship programmes: it supports mobility and short stays in Europe for researchers, students and staff, capacity-building of universities and TVET institutions through joint projects with sister European institutions, etc. Horizon Europe offers opportunities for Nigeria-based researchers and research institutions, in particular through the “Africa Initiative II”, which is addressed to African scientists.
The EU’s support for education in Nigeria aligns to national objectives and focuses on equitable access to quality education and teacher training. In its education sector support, the EU works with the governments of Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Oyo, Katsina, Enugu and Plateau states.
The projects aim at strengthening the education system, increase the use of digital technology for teaching, learning and system management, and mainstream green skills and knowledge by investing EUR 45.4 million, in total during, 2021-2027 in the education projects.
EU Offers Postgraduate Scholarships to 142 Young Nigerians Under its Erasmus+ programme
News
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation

Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forced have neutralised two suspected notorious bandits during a clearance operation in Ukum Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told Zagazola that the operation followed credible intelligence received on Tuesday at about 1:00 p.m.
The report indicated that a criminal gang led by one Senen Hemen, also known as Orpa, was sighted along the pipeline axis between Gbeji and Igbongom communities in Ukum.
According to the sources, security forces were promptly mobilised to the location, where the gang engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
During the exchange, Hemen and another gang member identified as Mzungweve Ichur, both from Igbongom, were shot dead, while others fled the scene with gunshot injuries.
The sources confirmed that the corpses of the two suspects had been recovered and deposited at a private mortuary in Gbeji, while a manhunt had been launched in the surrounding bushes to track the fleeing accomplices.
The sources assured residents that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to rid Ukum and adjoining areas of violent criminal gangs.
Security forces neutralise two notorious bandits in Benue clearance operation
News
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community

Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a worshipper from a mosque in Gbonkan Village, Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
Sources said that the victim, identified as Amadu Usman, was kidnapped on Monday night while praying at the mosque alongside his elder brother, Adamu Usman.
The sources said seven armed men invaded the mosque at about 9 p.m. and whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
The sources said that a joint team of security forces, Amotekun Corps, vigilantes and local hunters had since launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing surrounding bushes to track down the suspects and rescue the victim.
Gunmen abduct worshipper in Oyo community
News
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with the Police, Community Watch Corps and local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident happened on Tuesday evening when armed bandits launched an attack on a hunters’ camp in Naalma village.
According to the sources, the troops and other security operatives responded swiftly to a distress call and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to withdraw.
“During the operation, Usman Lawal, 35, the Commander of the Hunters’ group, sustained fatal injuries. One of the bandits was neutralised while the rifle earlier seized from the hunters’ commander was recovered.
“Other fleeing bandits are suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops are currently conducting cordon-and-search operations within the area,”said the sources.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA repel bandit attack in Malumfashi, Katsina
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