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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The India Council for Cultural Relationship (ICCR), has awarded scholarships to 20 Nigerians.
The scholarships which will be fully sponsored by the Government of India, is for undergraduate, master and doctoral levels.
Speaking during a farewell reception for the 20 Nigerians in Abuja, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gangadharan Balasubramanian, said the 20 Nigerians were selected from among 2000 people.
“So, you are the crème of the selection. We are very happy to see each one of you undergoing this whole process of selection and currently proceeding to India for your higher education,” Balasubramanian said.
The Indian envoy further extolled the field of study chosen by two doctoral students namely, mathematics and plant pathology.
Balasubramanian stated that the two areas of education were certainly needed in the country and expressed confidence that the two students will eventually contribute their quota immensely to the development of the country.
“And we are very happy to be part of the journey that you are undertaking in contributing to this country and our bilateral relationship,” Balasubramanian also said.
Balasubramanian expressed hope that the Nigerian students will like India and will grow intellectually and socially and return to the country as ambassadors of India-Nigeria friendship.
“And we certainly expect to see you plying higher positions in your country, whether it is in the government or in business or wherever; whichever profession that you choose to do, you will have our best wishes and you will always be part of the Indian family, having put in three years, two years in education,” Balasubramanian stated.
Speaking further, the envoy recalled that India and Nigeria have excellent relationship right from 1958, two years before Nigeria’s independence.
He added that India set up a diplomatic office in Lagos since Nigeria is the largest country in Africa and the largest population.
“We have started cooperating with Nigeria, two years before your independence and subsequently after your independence, particularly in the field of capacity building,” Balasubramanian explained.
The envoy further stated that India and Nigeria have so many similarities as both countries are multi cultural, multi linguistic, large countries, and huge population in their respective areas.
The envoy encouraged the students to make use of the opportunities available in India, particularly in the areas of language, culture, designs, fashion, amongst others.
