NSUK Special Lecture: Portuguese Amb. accentuates educational opportunities for Nigeria-Portugal bilateral relations

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By Samuel Torlumun

Portuguese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Paulo Martins Santos has said Nigeria and Portugal has a lot in the education sector to foster bilateral relationship.

The Ambassador who delivered the 6th Special Lecture Series organized by Nasarawa State University, Keffi, (NSUK) on Wednesday, stated that, being motivated by the establishment of European Studies that supports the obvious point of contact with Europe in general and Portugal particularly, has opened another chapter for diplomatic ties.

In the Special Lecture Series titled, “Educational Opportunities Within the Framework of Portugal-Nigeria Bilateral Relations”, the guest lecturer pointed out that the two counties have enjoyed diplomatic relationships through historical, economic, political and educational ties. He noted that with the establishment of European Studies, educational opportunities for the two countries are taken to the next level. “Having European Studies here makes sense to interact with NSUK. Today, I will go with certainty that we can work in many different fields” he stated.

“Today, I came here mostly to talk about educational/cultural ties, which are also very big. We have many traditional (very good) universities that have been working with Africa, especially Nigeria. So, we get more that you would imagine. Portugal is the second European country with the highest number of students from Nigeria. He said the embassy gets thousands of Nigerian students every year going for studies in Portugal, adding, the only way to identify them is through the Visa process.

According to Ambassador Santos, as way to ensure more student have access to study in Portugal, the Portuguese Embassy in Nigeria will always prioritize the legalization process of the titles of intending students as well as visa process.

“The biggest advice I can give you is that whenever you accept to be in one of these universities in Portugal, don’t waste time asking for your visa, because sometimes it can take a while for the verification process.

“We recommend that as student, if you have your paperwork, just go to the Embassy and apply for visa because students are given preferential treatment.

“For sometimes, there are long queues, and it can be complicated to find the slots. But through emails, it is something we can easily solve because we know students are supposed to be there at the beginning of school year. I encourage you to do that” he assured.

Santos said due to historical relationship spanning over five centuries, Portuguese universities are familiar with Nigerians and ready to integrate them.

In her address, the Vice Chancellor of NSUK Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman explained that the choice of Ambassador Santos is due to his valuable contributions and distinguish leadership in fostering stronger relationships between Nigeria and Portugal, adding that it has made him the best choice to speak on the topic of the
lecture.

“This Special Lecture presents the significant opportunity for us to explore the vast potentials of collaborations, partnerships and exchanges in education, research and culture between Nigeria and Portugal”, she noted.

Apex News Exclusive reports that NSUK is the only university in Nigeria and indeed Sub-Sahara Africa to have an Institute of European Studies.

Explaining further, the VC said the purpose of the institute is to link students and staff to many European countries which Nigeria has bilateral relationship with.

“Through the institute, staff and students will have the ample opportunity to benefit from the opportunities that are in Europe. Also, the institute can educate students and other diplomatic members of the society in their culture, politics and history. It reduces hardships.

“It also opens up bilateral relationship between NSUK and the European nations.

“As you can see, the head of the delegation of European Nations was here; he delivered a lecture. The Ambassador of Poland was also here and now are having the Ambassador of Portugal. We will continue to explore other Ambassadors of the European nations” the VC stated.

Highlights of the event were presentations from both the university and the Portuguese Embassy.