The Governments of Nigeria and the United States of America have expressed interest in enhancing educational and cultural ties between both nations, reaffirming their commitment to mutual understanding, cooperation, and progress.
This was the sentiment when the Nigerian Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, warmly welcomed a distinguished delegation from the United States of America, led by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield, to his office.
Speaking during the visit, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield, expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education. Satterfield reiterated the purpose of the visit, emphasizing the intention to foster collaboration in the fields of education and culture, particularly in television and filmmaking. She expressed optimism that this partnership would lead to innovative ideas and initiatives, contributing to a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.
Expressing his keen interest in fostering collaboration in education and culture, Prof. Mamman emphasized the potential for robust cooperation in cultural exchange, television, and filmmaking within the higher education sector, highlighting the mutual benefits such collaboration would bring. The Hon. Minister of Education underscored the significance of this partnership in advancing bilateral interests and strengthening diplomatic ties.
In a speech supportive of the collaboration, the Minister of State Education, Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said that addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, improving teacher quality, and enhancing technical and vocational education and training programmes, are other key areas for collaboration.
Dr. Sununu stressed the pivotal role of the United States as a major partner in advancing the Ministry’s mandate and enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerian students. He emphasized the presence of a substantial number of Nigerian students in the United States, which ranks 7th among countries sending students to study there.
The visit of the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield, underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Nigeria, characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to advancing common goals.
