Ukraine War: Nigeria Applauds Poland’s Gesture To Displaced Students
The Federal Government has lauded the Republic of Poland for its assistance to Nigerian students displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war, describing the solidarity as a significant pillar of the bilateral relationship between both nations.
Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the commendation on Thursday while receiving Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy, Krzysztof Gawkowski, along with his delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Quoting the minister, a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, noted that an estimated 6,000 Nigerians reside in Poland, many of whom are in the country for educational purposes.
“Education is a vital pillar of our bilateral relations. We thank Poland for supporting Nigerian students affected by the conflict in Ukraine,” she was quoted as saying.
“This assistance has ensured that many young Nigerians could continue their studies despite the disruption.”
The minister noted that education has long been a strategic component of Nigeria-Poland ties. Through the Polish-Nigerian technical and scientific exchange programme, several Nigerian scholars have studied at Polish universities, while Polish academics have similarly taught in Nigerian institutions.
Reaffirming that formal Nigeria-Poland relations began on 30 May 1962, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said both nations are now broadening cooperation to include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, agriculture, defence, infrastructure, culture, and tourism.
She highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism, piracy, and transnational organised crime, and called for deeper collaboration in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. She also pressed for the swift conclusion of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation.
“We are exploring new partnerships in trade, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, maritime security, defence, infrastructure, education, culture, and tourism,” the minister added.
She further explained that economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” have improved the ease of doing business, enhanced fiscal transparency, eased fund repatriation, and attracted foreign investment – developments she described as incentives for Polish companies to expand in Nigeria.
Poland Sees Nigeria As Strategic Partner
Deputy Prime Minister Gawkowski described Nigeria as a strategic partner and one of Africa’s leading economic and technology hubs. According to the statement, he reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and private sector development.
He commended Nigeria’s role in regional stability, particularly in the fight against terrorism, and noted that several Polish companies are looking to expand into Nigeria’s digital and infrastructure sectors. He also invited Nigerian firms to explore opportunities in Poland and expressed readiness to collaborate on global challenges, including disinformation and cyber threats.
Both sides agreed to strengthen political consultations, economic and technological partnerships, and people-to-people relations.