«MGIMO Days» in Lagos
On April 1, MGIMO Days were held in Lagos. The key event of the program was the presentation of MGIMO University at one of the largest educational institutions in Africa, the University of Lagos, which brought together more than 100 Nigerian students and schoolchildren interested in getting their education in Russia.
The University representatives provided detailed information on educational programs, admission rules for foreign citizens, opportunities to study Russian in preparatory courses, and also spoke about the key youth project, the «Russia–Africa: What’s Next?» Forum. Nigerian students who learn Russian presented a concert program, featuring Russian songs and Russian folk dance performances.
The MGIMO delegation also held a series of negotiations with the leadership of the University of Lagos. A meeting was held with Professor Ismail Ibraheem, Director of the Department of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects, and Victor Onifade, his deputy. The parties reached preliminary agreements on the launch of student exchanges, the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement, the organization of joint lectures, and the further development of academic contacts.
The delegation also met with Professor Akanbi Mudasiru Ilupeju, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, alongside with John Faloju, Head of the Department of European Languages and Integration Studies, Professors of Russian Kessington Aigbovia and Chuka Chukwube, lecturer Joshua Orabiyi, as well as faculty members Shola Oguntola and Adewale Tiamiyu. During the conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for expanding Russian language teaching programs, the possibility of including Nigerian students in academic exchanges and their participation in the «Russia-Africa: What’s Next?» Youth Forum.
As part of efforts to build the network of partner organizations, a meeting was held with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities, «Soyuznik». The parties agreed to jointly promote Russian education among Nigerian youth, as well as to involve young leaders in the work of the «Russia-Africa: What’s Next?» Forum.