The scholars, under the umbrella of Nigerian Scholars in Australia,have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Femi Pedro as Ambassador-Designate to the Nigerian High Commission in Australia.

It described the appointment as timely and strategic, saying it comes at a period when stronger diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Australia is crucial.

President of the association, Juwon Fayomi, in a statement on behalf of the group on Sunday, said Pedro’s appointment places “a round peg in a round hole”.

He noted that Pedro’s experience in governance, leadership and international engagement makes him well suited to strengthen diplomatic ties between both countries.

Fayomi added that the appointment would help accelerate the implementation of Memoranda of Understanding and other bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Australia.

According to him, the Nigerian academic community in Australia is optimistic that Pedro’s professional network and expertise will promote educational cooperation and broaden economic and technological partnerships.

He said Nigeria and Australia have significant opportunities for collaboration in education, research, trade and innovation.

“We are confident that the incoming ambassador will strengthen these relationships and create more opportunities for Nigerian scholars, professionals and students in Australia,” Fayomi said.