A delegation from the Nigerian Parliament has visited the University of Aberdeen to learn more about the strong links between the institution and Nigeria.
Representatives from the Parliament’s Federal House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, attended a reception yesterday evening (Thursday August 19) hosted by Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice Principal of Research and Commercialisation.
The delegation heard of the academic and industrial relationships fostered between the University and key Nigerian organisations, specifically within the oil and gas sector and maternal health.
These include a continued partnership between the University and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a scholarship scheme funded by the Nigerian government to help address the manpower requirements of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
Over the last 6 years, PTDF has sponsored a total of 81 students to undertake energy-related Master of Science, Master of Law and PhD programmes at the University.
The delegation discovered more about Immpact, the University of Aberdeen’s global research initiative which aims to promote better health for mothers-to-be in developing countries.
They also learned of the University’s continued commitment to attracting students from Nigeria.
The majority of international students at the University come from Nigeria, accounting for 18% of the institution’s international student population.
The University also annually receives one of the highest intakes of Nigerian students of any UK institution.
Professor Houlihan said: “The University of Aberdeen is strongly committed to developing mutually beneficial relationships with Nigeria — not only in the area of oil and gas but also in health, business, science and culture.
“We were honoured to host this delegation of Nigerian parliamentarians which provided an opportunity to further cement this commitment, and to forge new and important links with key representatives from the country.”