The Russian Federation has proposed an increase in its annual scholarship quota for Nigerian students—currently 220—subject to further engagement with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education.
This development emerged during a high-level meeting in Abuja between officials of the Russian Embassy and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, where both sides discussed mutual interests in youth development, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, emphasized the urgency of leveraging Nigeria’s youthful demographic through culture and creativity.
“Nigeria has a large youth population, with 70% under the age of 30. There is great need to harness their potential through the creative and cultural industries. We emphasize the use of culture and creativity to engage young people on global issues like youth employment, economic hardship, climate change, education, and mental health challenges,” the Minister stated.
Representing the Russian Federation, H.E. Ambassador A.L. Podelyshev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, extended an invitation for Nigeria to participate in the upcoming Kazan Cultural Fair in November 2025. He also advocated for the revival of a previously initiated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation, which has been pending for two years.
In his remarks, Ambassador Podelyshev proposed enhanced cultural exchange programs, including the mutual exchange of cultural troupes and artists between Nigeria and Russia. He also pledged Russia’s technological support for the preservation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“The Russian Institute of Theatre Arts seeks collaboration with Nigeria for joint theatre programs and training. We also propose cooperation in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through cutting-edge digital technologies such as 3D scanning and virtual reality,” he said.
The Nigerian Ministry proposed including the creative economy and audiovisual co-productions in future bilateral agreements. Both parties agreed on the necessity of appointing focal persons and establishing timelines to ensure timely and effective follow-up.
The Russian Embassy expressed its readiness to move forward on the MoU and awaits Nigeria’s proposals on priority areas for cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural, creative, and tourism-related collaborations.
📸 Photo Caption: Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, with Ambassador A.L. Podelyshev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
