By Adeola Badru

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen support systems for Nigerian students in the diaspora, in a move expected to improve consular services, student welfare and government engagement with Nigerians studying abroad.

The partnership was reached during a high-level meeting between a NANS delegation led by the Director of Diaspora and International Students Affairs, Comrade Daniel Olatunji Oyeniyi, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The minister of foreign affairs was represented at the meeting by the ministry’s assistant director (OHMS), Mrs Ezinne Osigwe.

Speaking during the engagement, Oyeniyi said there had been a long-standing disconnect between the ministry and Nigerian students studying abroad, resulting in inadequate attention to their welfare and protection.

“There has been a significant gap in engagement between the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian students in the diaspora.“

“Many students abroad continue to face challenges with limited institutional support, inadequate welfare provisions and insufficient representation. This partnership is aimed at addressing those concerns through sustained collaboration.”

He said NANS proposed a comprehensive framework for cooperation with the ministry covering improved student welfare and protection, enhanced consular services, student data management and engagement, policy advocacy, career and professional development, crisis management, international academic partnerships, promotion of Nigeria’s image abroad, reintegration initiatives and regular dialogue between both parties.

According to Oyeniyi, the collaboration would create a more structured relationship between the federal government and Nigerian students overseas while ensuring that their interests receive greater attention.

“As the Global Director of Diaspora and International Students Affairs, I remain committed to serving as the bridge between Nigerian students abroad, the national leadership of NANS and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.“

“We will continue to advocate for policies and partnerships that make studying outside Nigeria safer, easier and more rewarding for our students,“ he said.

Responding on behalf of the minister, the assistant director of the Office of the Minister of State (OHMS), Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Ezinne Osigwe, acknowledged the concerns raised by the NANS delegation and assured them of the ministry’s commitment to building a lasting partnership with Nigerian students in the diaspora.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully prepared to collaborate with the leadership of NANS in advancing the interests and welfare of Nigerian students abroad.“

“The disconnect experienced in the past was not deliberate but largely due to the absence of sustained engagement.“

“We are committed to ensuring that this partnership is maintained and that the concerns of Nigerian students receive the attention they deserve,“ Osigwe said.

She further affirmed that the Ministry had embraced the proposed areas of collaboration and would work closely with NANS to strengthen communication, improve support mechanisms and promote the interests of Nigerian students globally.

Meanwhile, the development is expected to enhance government engagement with thousands of Nigerian students studying across various countries while strengthening consular support and institutional cooperation between the Federal Government and the country’s student diaspora community.

Ends