Russia has announced plans to significantly scale up its educational engagement with Nigeria and other African countries, with a long-term target of hosting 500,000 international students in Russian universities. This was disclosed by the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday evening.

Ambassador Podelyshev revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a clear objective to boost the number of foreign students in Russia’s higher education system as part of a broader diplomatic and developmental initiative. Currently, Russia hosts around 32,000 students from Africa, including approximately 2,000 from Nigeria — a figure the Russian government aims to substantially increase.

“In line with the president’s objective, the quota will grow every year,” Podelyshev stated. “For 2025, 220 Nigerian students have already been awarded scholarships to study in Russia.”

The ambassador confirmed that these scholarships, approved in 2024, are set to cover the 2025 academic session, with preparations already in motion for the students’ arrival by September.

Addressing recent changes in Nigerian policy, which suspended government-funded transport and accommodation for students on foreign scholarships, Podelyshev explained that Russia has introduced a new grant structure. The revised package is designed to provide full support — including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs — for qualified students selected under the scholarship scheme.

However, Podelyshev was clear that Russia’s vision extends beyond scholarships. He described education as a strategic instrument in fostering long-term partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in key areas like energy, metallurgy, and industrial development.

“For example, if Russia is involved in rebuilding a metallurgical plant in Ajaokuta or establishing nuclear plants, we will need Nigerian professionals trained in Russia to implement these projects,” he said.

To ensure such education leads to tangible benefits for both countries, Podelyshev emphasized the importance of integrating academic training with bilateral economic projects. He pointed to the role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation as a mechanism for aligning education with joint development goals.

In response to concerns about brain drain — the loss of skilled professionals who study abroad and do not return — Podelyshev advocated for project-based training models. These, he said, would give Nigerian students a clear reason to return home.

“If students know they are being trained for specific national projects that require their expertise upon return, they will have stronger incentives to come back,” he argued.