The High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, has urged 40 Nigerian students awarded the prestigious Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships to become ambassadors of goodwill by strengthening the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and India through academic excellence, cultural exchange and knowledge transfer.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony for the scholarship beneficiaries in Abuja on Monday, Singh described the fully funded programme as an investment in the future of both countries, saying the students now have a responsibility to deepen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India.
“You have stopped being just students. You have become bridges between India and Nigeria. You are India’s guests and Nigeria’s ambassadors,” the envoy told the scholars.
He explained that the ICCR scholarship programme, which has existed for more than 75 years, has provided educational opportunities to students from about 160 countries, reflecting India’s commitment to international cooperation through education.
According to him, the Nigerian beneficiaries will study at some of India’s leading universities, where they will acquire world-class education while gaining firsthand exposure to the country’s advances in technology, science, innovation and culture.
Singh encouraged the students to embrace India’s diversity, describing the country as one of striking contrasts, ranging from the Himalayan mountains to tropical beaches, ancient traditions such as yoga and Ayurveda, and globally recognised technology hubs including Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
While congratulating the scholars, he reminded them that the scholarship comes with significant responsibilities.
He urged them to maintain a minimum attendance of 75 per cent, comply with Indian laws and university regulations, respect local customs and remain committed to academic excellence throughout their studies.
The High Commissioner also advised the students to return to Nigeria after completing their education and apply the knowledge acquired abroad to national development.
“Use the technology you learn in India to improve Nigerian agriculture. Apply the medical knowledge to strengthen Nigerian hospitals. This is the real return on our investment,” he said.
Singh further encouraged the scholars to serve as cultural ambassadors by showcasing Nigeria’s rich heritage during their stay in India.
He urged them to wear traditional Nigerian attire during cultural events and promote Nigerian music and culture among their Indian counterparts.
“Teach them about Nigeria. Share Afrobeats with them. Artists like Davido, Rema, Wizkid and Burna Boy are already popular in India. At the same time, learn India’s culture and traditions,” he added.
The envoy assured the students of the Indian High Commission’s support throughout their stay, advising them to keep emergency contact details of the Indian High Commission, their universities and the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi readily available.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Singh disclosed that the 40 awardees emerged from a highly competitive selection process involving more than 1,000 applicants.
“They have been selected through a very competitive process and will be attending some of India’s most prestigious institutions. We are delighted that the ICCR scholarship has become a programme that Nigerian students eagerly look forward to every year,” he said.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians have benefited from either the ICCR scholarship scheme or the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme over the years.
According to him, more than 25,000 Nigerians have received training in India in areas including information technology, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, public administration and small and medium-scale enterprise development.
Singh described education and capacity building as central pillars of the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India.
Highlighting the expanding economic relationship between both countries, he said bilateral trade is currently valued at about $9 billion, while more than 70,000 Indians reside in Nigeria, managing nearly 200 Indian companies with investments estimated at approximately $30 billion.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s improving investment climate would encourage more Indian businesses to invest in the country while also creating opportunities for greater Nigerian investment in India.
“I am confident that with the improving investment environment in Nigeria, more Indian investors will come, and I also hope to see increased Nigerian investment in India,” he said.
Reiterating his message to the departing scholars, Singh urged them to remain disciplined, obey university regulations, excel academically and return home after graduation to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
“I wish them all the very best. I am confident they will succeed and make both Nigeria and India proud,” he said.
