The Nigerian embassy in Moscow says it received 107 Nigerian students who gained a scholarship to study in Russian universities under the Nigeria-Russia Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA).

This was announced in a statement on Friday.

Receiving the scholars at the airport, the Nigerian ambassador to Russia, Abdullahi Shehu, stated that the programmes would strengthen bilateral relations between both countries and facilitate knowledge and technology transfer to Nigeria.

Mr Shehu said the opportunity to study on scholarships for Nigerian students at various Russian universities represents a successful cooperation in the field of education between Nigeria and Russia.

The ambassador affirmed the support of the Nigerian embassy to the student, urging them to be of good behaviour.

Mr Shehu added, “I congratulate you, and I wish you well in your studies. In respect to the renewal of your passport, whenever your passport is getting to nine months to expire, you should not forget to reach out so that we can book you.”

The ambassador stated that Russia “is safe and secure, but you have to behave yourself. Know the kind of company you are going to keep.”

Mr Shehu advised the students to be prudent with their stipend. 

“You must take care of yourselves because it is extremely cold. Do not expose yourself to cold. You must know that you are beginning to build your future from here, and what you achieve from here will help you to live the very good life and will help to building yourselves and building our country,” the ambassador explained. 

He added, “The most important thing I will like you to demonstrate is absolute patriotism. You should see yourselves as the ambassadors of Nigeria in Russia. Whatever you do will reflect on the character of the country. So you have to portray a good image.”

(NAN)