The Federal Government has commended the Republic of Poland for supporting Nigerian students displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the gesture as a strong example of bilateral solidarity.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the commendation while receiving Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy, Krzysztof Gawkowski, and his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the minister, Magnus Eze, the minister said Nigerians residing in Poland are estimated at about 6,000, with many in the country for educational purposes
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“Education is a vital pillar of our bilateral relations. We thank Poland for supporting Nigerian students affected by the conflict in Ukraine. This assistance has ensured that many young Nigerians could continue their studies despite the disruption,” she said.
She noted that education remains a strategic component of relations between both countries, adding that through the Polish-Nigerian technical and scientific exchange programme, several Nigerians have studied in Polish universities, while Polish lecturers and scientists have also taught in Nigerian institutions.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria-Poland relations, which began on May 30, 1962, and said both countries would expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, agriculture, defence, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism.
She also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism, piracy, and transnational crime, and called for deeper collaboration on intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism.
She called for the speedy conclusion of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between both countries.
“We are exploring new partnerships in trade, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, maritime security, defence, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism,” she said.
The minister added that economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda have improved the ease of doing business, enhanced fiscal transparency, eased the repatriation of funds, and attracted foreign investment, thereby creating incentives for Polish firms to expand operations in Nigeria.
Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski described Nigeria as a strategic partner and one of Africa’s leading economic and technology hubs.
He reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and private sector development, and commended Nigeria’s role in regional stability, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
He said several Polish companies were looking to expand into Nigeria’s digital and infrastructure sectors and invited Nigerian firms to explore opportunities in Poland.
He also expressed Poland’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Nigeria on emerging global challenges, including disinformation and cyber threats.
Both sides agreed to strengthen political consultations, economic and technological partnerships, and people-to-people relations.