TETFund, French institution sign MoU to promote research, innovation in Nigeria

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Campus France.

The MoU is aimed at promoting research and innovation between Nigeria and France.

Campus France is a public institution in France responsible for higher education and implementing international mobility programmes.

The institution operates under the supervision of the ministry of foreign affairs and higher education and research in France.

In a statement by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, spokesperson of TETFund, the MoU was signed in France at an event organised by French Embassy and Campus France.

The statement said the event was organised to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in the fields of higher education and research with the support of the French ministry for Europe and foreign affairs.

“Under the agreement which was witnessed by the Nigerian ambassador to France, His Excellency, Kayode Laro, and the France ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Emmanuelle Blatmann, Campus France would assist in facilitating the placement of TETFund scholars in specialised institutions in France at very low tuition; particularly in the areas of science, technology, and engineering which are germane to the technological and economic development of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

“The programme would also expose scholars to world-class facilities, encourage collaboration between French and Nigerian scholars in carrying out cutting-edge research and innovation, while also providing an opportunity for students and staff exchange.”

The statement quoted Sonny Echono, TETFund’s executive secretary, as expressing optimism that the partnership would benefit both countries.

Echono said he was confident about the success of the MoU based on the achievements recorded in similar partnerships between Campus France and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).