23rd July, 2014
The Federal Government on Wednesday urged Hungary to provide security for Nigerian students in various universities across the East European country.
This was contained in statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, the Special Assistant, Media, to the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
Wike made the request at a meeting with the Hungarian State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Laszlo Szabo, in Budapest.
He said the request for the protection became necessary as more than 800 Nigerian students were studying in the country.
He said most of the students were residing off their respective campuses. The minister called on the Hungarian Government to consider promoting concessionary fees for prospective Nigerian students, who intended to seek higher education in the country.
“Because of the number of Nigerian students already studying in Hungary and those who intend to study in the country, we are asking that you implement concessionary fees for our students.
“We are also reiterating our commitment to fully implement all the aspects of the memorandum of understanding signed with your Ministry of Human Resources on the award of scholarship to our students.
“We are pleased with the re-opening of the Hungarian Embassy in Abuja. This will ensure that prospective students get their visas there rather than in Kenya or Egypt.
“This relationship will develop on all fronts and our Ambassador has given assurance that applicants for business visa from your country will get favourable response.
“We believe that this bilateral relationship will lead to investments in other key areas of the Nigerian economy,” Wike said.
The statement also quoted Szabo as saying that the Hungarian government would further its cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of higher education and economic development.
Szabo called on Nigerian Government to expedite action on the signing of the proposed economic agreement to enhance development and promote bilateral trade relations.
He also urged Nigeria to fill the scholarship slots offered to the country as stipulated in the memorandum of understanding.
He said this would enable benefiting students to resume classes in September.