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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has awarded scholarships to 12 lecturers from public tertiary institutions to undertake doctorate studies in science-related disciplines in France under the scholarship for academic staff intervention programme.
It disclosed that N63,457,600.40 or €77,862.16, was approved for each scholar for the three-year duration of the programme, which amounts to N761,491,924.80 or € 934,345.92 for the 12 approved scholars.
At pre-departure briefing in Abuja, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, said the successful prospective scholars would be undertaking various post-graduate programmes of national priority at the under listed universities in France: Universite Paris -Est Creteil (UPEC), France: 3 scholars; University of Strasbourgh, Paris, France: 1 scholar; Universite De Lorraine (L.G.IPM), France: 2 scholars; Universite Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France: 3 scholars; Universite Lyon 2, France: 1 scholar; Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, France: 1 scholar and Institut Superieur D’Electronique de Paris: 1 scholar.
Echono urged the scholars to be good ambassadors of Nigeria, and take full advantage of the opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, work with world-renowned researchers and have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
He said this will help to foster innovation and contribute to the development of the Nigerian research and development sector and further enhance/Improve Nigeria’s Global Citation Index as it were.
“May I also remind you that, during your studies: all acts of unionism by TETFund-sponsored scholars is not allowed: all forms of communication/clarification on matters concerning your studies should be done in a civilised/organised manner through the appropriate channel: do not engage in any action or activities that may affect the reputation of Nigerian government.
“Also be reminded that you do not serve as an official representative of any government, hence you are not expected to engage in political activities or in other activities of a public nature likely to affect the reputation of Nigerian government adversely
“Similarly, you shall not combine the TETFund scholarship with any other sponsorship, scholarship, and/or maintenance support from any other public or private organisation during the period of study,” he said.
Earlier, TETFund Director of Academic Staff Training and Development, Muhammed Garba, said the pre-departure briefing was meant to sensitise the scholars on the fund’s guidelines, provisions of the memorandum of understanding and agreements, general conduct of scholars, among others.
