By Hadiza Mohammed
Prof. Saad Bin Dajem, Vice President for Education and Academic Affairs, King Khalid University has said that 3, 200 Nigerians have graduated from Saudi Arabian universities in the last decade.
The vice president made this known on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the Forum of Saudi Universities Alumni in Nigeria and neighboring countries, aimed at promoting sustainable development.
The Forum is organised under the auspices of the Saudi Ministry of Education and hosted by King Khalid University in collaboration with the University of Tabuk and Najran University.
”In Saudi Arabia, there are more than 850 students from Nigeria studying in Saudi universities .
”This reflects our growing educational partnership.”
He described Nigerian students as diligent, ambitious, and highly committed to academic .
He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s willingness to admit more Nigerian students across various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, science, education, and religious studies.
“We are proud to welcome more Nigerian students across disciplines, they contribute positively at both personal and national levels.”
He said plans were underway to increase admissions, considering Nigeria’s population size and regional importance in Africa.
He said Muslim and non-Muslims alike, have been accepted to pursue academic aspirations in Saudi Arabia Universities.
Earlier, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, praised the initiative as vital for Nigeria’s development.
”Education, as we know, is the bedrock of progress. The training and exposure you acquired in Saudi institutions have not only equipped you with knowledge, but also instilled in you discipline, global perspective, and a strong sense of service.”
”These qualities are critical to advancing Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and sustainable development.”
She reaffirmed the ministry’s support for initiatives leveraging alumni networks to drive national progress.
Dr Muhammad Munir, Secretary of the Alumni and who was a graduate of Islamic University of Medina said since returning home, he has been contributing towards peaceful co-existence between the two major religious groups in Nigeria.
“When you look at development, where there is no peace, it’s very hard to have development.
“We have been encouraging our members to be law-abiding citizens and peacemakers, peace builders and peace keepers and also to make an impact as far as academics is concerned, as far as moral is concerned, as far as even earning livelihood is concerned.”
He urged Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds to pursue transformative education for national growth.
Charge d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Saad Bin Fahd Al-Marri, affirmed deeper Saudi-Nigerian collaboration.
Al-Marri affirmed that the Kingdom’s educational progress reflects its leadership’s commitment to a world-class system aligned with global innovations and elevating its presence in international academic forums.
He said Saudi Arabia and Nigeria will continue to work more closely the areas of education, cultural exchange, and mutual development.
The three-day forum features six scholarly sessions with 21 speakers in the fields of education and research, as well as more than 400 participants from alumni of Saudi universities in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
It highlights the power of educational diplomacy and the impact of Saudi alumni in shaping Africa’s future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Published By
- Senior Editor
