Education
Russia Educating, Training Future African Leaders
By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
Amidst the geopolitical dynamics and diverse manoeuvres to ensure stability at home, Russia has to show certainty, firmness and consistency in its relations with Africa. Understandably Africa has been at the bottom of its priority agenda, most official statements on pledges take years to achieve concrete results. There are also explicit indications that Russia is broadening and not deepening its influence in various areas. In terms of education and training, scholarships for potential African students are arguably low compared to Asia and Latin America.
After the inauguration held on May 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set a goal to increase the number of foreign students in universities and educational institutions to at least 500,000 by 2030 in the Russian Federation.
“The number of foreign students pursuing higher education in Russian higher learning institutions and scientific organizations should rise to at least 500,000 by 2030,” according to his decree that sets national development objectives, making Russia appear among the world’s five largest developed nations.
As the current president entered his fifth term, Putin signed the new decrees. The primary goal is also to resolve issues related to the special military operation, in addition to further improving the country’s socioeconomic situation for the population. The decree published on the Kremlin website is titled On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for a Longer Term until 2036.
According to the Russian Education and Science Ministry, more than 355,000 foreigners are currently studying in Russian universities. Acting Minister Valery Falkov earlier said Russia has the world’s sixth-largest number of foreign students.
According to calculations by TASS News Agency, the number of foreign students in Russian universities has increased by more than 20% over the past five years. Most often foreign applicants accepted by Russian universities come from China, Vietnam, former Soviet republics, and countries in Asia and the Middle East.
The above-mentioned TASS report has seriously overlooked Africa. This precedence of positioning Africa at the bottom of the policy agenda could be found in many official reports. Sometimes, ignored completely. Noticeably, Africa has been and still is at the bottom of Russia’s policy agenda, and has reflected in its economic projects undertaken and completed across Africa. Political dialogues are excellent and official visits forth and back increasingly proliferated. Conferences and meetings abound, and reports are frequently issued.
The number of African students who receive education in Russia is approaching 35,000 people, according to RIA Novosti. More than half of the 35,000 are private students, paying hard-earned money for tuition. According to Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Konstantin Mogilevsky, speaking at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July 2023, informed that since the last academic year the Russian scholarship has increased to about 4,000 people.
Russia has to invest in training young African leaders, considered as the bridge between Russia and Africa. But of course, Russia is not a charitable organization, institution or state as it strongly advocates for a multipolar world. “The present and the future of Russia-Africa relations is not about charity, it’s about co-development,” stated Evgeny Primakov, Head of the Russian Federal Agency for International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) and also a member of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the International Parliamentary Conference Russia – Africa in a Multipolar World, held in Moscow under the auspices of the State Duma of the Russian Federal Assembly. Concerning education and training, Putin indicated that cooperation between Russia and African countries in education is at a traditionally high level. At the same time, the annual quota for state-funded scholarships at Russian universities would be more than doubled, he said.
Russia can target African students to boost its image and public perceptions in Africa, especially in this emerging new world. The significance here is to inculcate diversified cultural tolerance, and take advantage of multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism – aspects of modern life – which are necessary prerequisites for the emerging multi-polar world. Nevertheless, Russia largely lags far behind with a well-structured public outreach diplomacy, using education and training young Africans in the developing world.
In various ways, Russian educational institutions could open their doors to the growing number of African elites, estimated at 380 million, almost the same size as the United States and double the population size of Russia. As part of the renewed interest in Africa, Russia can work on opportunities and diverse ways to increase the number of students, especially tuition paying agreements, most possibly on subsidized forms, for children of the growing elite families and middle-class from African countries in Russian universities.
The system of higher education has always been and remains a powerful intellectual resource, generating new ideas and – this is what it was designed for, of course – to offer systematic training of labour for all areas of life in society. This serves as an investment into the achievement of the main target – training professionals who are in demand in the labour market.
With the youth’s education, experts are very critical. Gordey Yastrebov, a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer at the Institute for Sociology and Social Psychology at the University of Cologne (Germany), argues in an email discussion with this article’s author that “education can be a tool for geopolitical influence in general, and for changing perceptions specifically, and Russia (just like any other country) could use it for that same purpose. However, Russia isn’t doing anything substantial on this front, at least there are only crawling efforts with obvious little outcomes. There are no large-scale investment programmes in education focusing on this.”
A series of credible reports from University World News explicitly show that Asian countries have become the second most popular destination for African students studying abroad with China being number one followed by the likes of India, Japan, and South Korea, among others. For instance, India has also taken steps to build a more practical partnership in several spheres of the continent. New Delhi has a new set of opportunities in human resources development, information technology and education.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Edo State Government has postponed the resumption date of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District as tension rose in the state.
The senatorial district, which is the region of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has witnessed a couple of security crises recently, including the arrest of over 50 students.
In a statement on Monday, the state Commissioner for Education, Mr Paddy Iyamu, said the postponement was until further notice, to enable the state government address prevailing exigencies and improve the welfare and safety of pupils.
“The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course,” the Commissioner said.
“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”
The development was after last Saturday’s peaceful protest over insecurity and kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which turned violent.
According to reports, certain actors hijacked the protest, blocked a major highway, disrupted commercial activities, and attacked traders at the livestock market, where goats were killed and cows beaten, scenes captured in viral videos.
The attackers also invaded and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Mr Zaiki Anthony Abumere II.
On Monday, the governor, accompanied by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, and others, visited the palace to assess the level of destruction.
Several vehicles, canopies, chairs, doors, and windows were damaged, while goods belonging to the monarch’s wife were also destroyed.
Describing the invasion as criminal and unacceptable, Mr Okpebholo said protests must never be used as a cover for lawlessness.
The governor disclosed that a security meeting had been held earlier with a strong focus on Edo Central, particularly the Ekpoma axis, noting that strategic, technology-driven security operations had been deployed.
On social media, a lot of Nigerians have condemned the actions of the government, saying innocent people have been arrested.
By Timi Olubiyi, PhD
In today’s world, nations no longer compete only with natural resources or population size; they compete with ideas, knowledge, and innovation. In the last few days, I have received many messages following my inclusion as number 102 among the Top 500 academics in Nigeria, according to SciVal’s scholarly output ranking for 2023–2026. A stunning display of scholarly excellence that has captured attention both within and beyond Nigeria.
It is important to mention thatSciVal is a respected global research analytics platform developed by Elsevier, one of the world’s leading academic publishing and information companies. It is widely used by universities, governments, and research institutions across more than 230 countries to assess research performance and track global influence.
While such recognition is noteworthy, it should not be viewed merely through the lens of individual achievement. Rather, it presents an important opportunity to reflect on what this ranking truly means for Nigeria’s development, the future of its universities, and the country’s place in the global knowledge economy, which is the central motivation for this discussion.
Nigeria is home to over 270 public and private universities, with an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 lecturers, if not more. From this vast academic community, only 500 scholars were identified by SciVal as the most productive and globally visible researchers. Recognition on SciVal therefore, signals that a scholar’s work is not only prolific but also trusted, visible, and impactful internationally, making the ranking a credible benchmark of global academic relevance rather than a local or ceremonial listing. In essence, the ranking is not about popularity or titles; it is about impact.
The importance of the Top 500 list goes far beyond academic pride. These scholars contribute to shaping public policy, influencing business practices, supporting innovation, and addressing real societal challenges. Nations that achieve sustained economic and social progress invest deliberately in research because effective policies and successful enterprises are built on strong, evidence-based ideas.
SciVal evaluates research performance across more than 230 countries and over 20,000 institutions worldwide, tracking publications, citations, collaborations, and research influence through internationally recognised databases such as Scopus. Simply put, it measures whose work is shaping conversations globally. For Nigeria to have 500 scholars represented on this platform is significant. It signals to the world that Nigerian academics are not merely participants in global discourse, but active contributors to it.
Being ranked 102nd on this list reflects years of consistent research output, collaboration, and engagement across key areas such as entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), sustainability, innovation, leadership, and business continuity. These areas are far from abstract academic interests; they are central to Nigeria’s economic survival and growth. SMEs, in particular, form the backbone of the Nigerian economy, yet many struggle due to weak structures, limited access to finance, and inadequate strategic planning. Research that addresses these challenges has direct implications for employment, livelihoods, and national stability.
One of the strongest lessons from the Top 500 ranking is the importance of global collaboration. Collaboration with scholars across different regions of the world enriches research quality and ensures that Nigerian realities are represented within global knowledge conversations. International partnerships improve visibility, strengthen credibility, and ensure that local perspectives are not excluded from global solutions. Each Nigerian scholar engaged in meaningful global collaboration strengthens the country’s intellectual presence.
Global relevance increasingly matters in today’s research ecosystem. Rankings influence who attracts funding, who participates in policy discussions, and who helps shape international best practices. Scholars whose work appears in well-indexed journals are trusted because their research meets global standards. That trust opens doors to partnerships, joint projects, and policy engagement. When Nigerian scholars are globally visible, the nation benefits collectively. Yet academic impact should not be confined to journals alone. Research achieves its highest value when it speaks to society.
Public engagement through opinion writing, policy dialogue, and accessible communication ensures that complex ideas reach everyday readers and decision-makers. When research informs public debate, it becomes a powerful tool for national progress. Some scholarly insights have also reached international audiences through syndicated platforms, allowing global readers to engage with Nigerian perspectives on business, sustainability, and economic development.
What also stands out about this ranking is consistency. Inclusion over multiple years is not accidental. It reflects discipline, intellectual curiosity, and sustained effort. For Nigeria, such consistency among its leading scholars is reassuring. It demonstrates that despite the challenges facing the education sector, academic excellence remains achievable.
The broader message of the Top 500 ranking is clear: Nigeria possesses significant intellectual capital, and it must be taken seriously. Development in the modern world is no longer driven solely by physical infrastructure or natural resources. It is driven by ideas by research that informs policy, strengthens institutions, and fuels innovation. Countries that invest in knowledge thrive; those that neglect it fall behind. As a nation, there is a need to do more to support scholars through better funding, stronger research environments, and policies that reward excellence and collaboration. Equally important is encouraging academics to engage with society, industry, and government. Research should not exist in isolation; it should be integrated into national planning and development strategies.
Recognition on platforms such as SciVal should therefore be seen not as a personal milestone, but as part of a broader Nigerian story, one of resilience, intellect, and growing global relevance. Across the country, many scholars are doing impactful work, often quietly and without recognition. This ranking, therefore, shines a light on our painstaking research contributions, which can shape Nigeria’s future.
The Top 500 academics represent a foundation upon which sustainable development can be built, and considering them for consultations and advice is not out of place. Because they are selected across all academic disciplines. If this intellectual resource is recognised, supported, and effectively utilised, Nigeria’s voice in the global knowledge economy will continue to grow stronger. Ultimately, rankings and recognition only matter if they lead to meaningful action.
The real question before Nigeria is not how many scholars appear on global lists, but how effectively the nation listens to, supports, and engages its best minds. Across universities and research centres are scholars generating ideas capable of shaping policy, strengthening institutions, and driving innovation, yet too often these voices remain at the margins of national decision-making.
If Nigeria is serious about sustainable development, it must move beyond celebrating excellence to actively integrating research into governance, industry, and public discourse. The future will belong to nations that recognise knowledge as a strategic asset and deliberately harness the insights of their finest thinkers. Engaging the best among us is no longer optional; it is essential to building a resilient, competitive, and forward-looking Nigeria.Good luck!
How may you obtain advice or further information on the article?
Dr Timi Olubiyi is an expert in Entrepreneurship and Business Management, holding a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University in Nigeria. He is a prolific investment coach, author, columnist, and seasoned scholar. Additionally, he is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and a registered capital market operator with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He can be reached through his Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email at [email protected] for any questions, feedback, or comments.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr Timi Olubiyi, and do not necessarily reflect the views of others.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has dismissed rumours suggesting Nigerian scholarship students in Morocco have been abandoned, describing the reports as misleading and “deliberately crafted to misinform the public.”
Recently, a video went viral on social media showing that the students studying in Morocco under the federal government scholarship scheme were facing hardships, including homelessness and a lack of medical support.
However, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, clarified that no Nigerian student on a valid federal government scholarship has been abandoned.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has clarified that no Nigerian student on a valid Federal Government scholarship has been abandoned. All beneficiaries duly enrolled under the Bilateral Education Scholarship (BES) Programme prior to 2024 have received payments up to the 2024 budget year, in line with the Federal Government’s obligations.
“Any temporary delays in outstanding payments are attributable to fiscal constraints and are currently being addressed through ongoing engagements between the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance,” Mr Alausa stated.
“The Minister further stated that no new bilateral scholarship awards were made in October 2025 or at any time thereafter. Documents being circulated to suggest otherwise are fake, unauthenticated, and constitute a calculated attempt to mislead the public and discredit government policy.
“Dr Alausa explained that the decision to discontinue government-funded bilateral scholarships abroad followed a comprehensive policy review, which established that Nigeria now possesses sufficient capacity within its universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to deliver the affected programmes locally.
“Consequently, only scholarships that are fully funded by foreign governments are now being supported, with all financial obligations borne entirely by the host countries.
“Notwithstanding this policy shift, the Federal Government remains fully committed to students already enrolled under the previous arrangements and will continue to support them until the completion of their programmes.
“In addition, students who may prefer to discontinue their studies abroad may formally write to the Director, Department of Scholarship Awards. Such students are being offered the option of returning to Nigeria, where they will be seamlessly reintegrated into appropriate tertiary institutions of their choice. The Federal Government will also cover their return travel costs to ensure a smooth and orderly transition,” the statement noted.
According to the Minister, the current administration remains committed to eliminating inefficiencies and abuses within the scholarship system, stressing that past practices that sponsored overseas training for courses already well established in Nigeria placed avoidable financial burdens on the nation.
He reaffirmed that the ongoing reforms are therefore aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of public resources.
The federal government reiterated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian students and strongly rejects misinformation, blackmail, or any attempt to undermine policies designed to strengthen national capacity and safeguard the integrity of the education sector.
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