The Danish government has unveiled Denmark’s $61m scholarship fund set to bolster the education of African students, including Nigeria.
This initiative covers full scholarships, inclusive of tuition and living costs for students who fulfil the terms and conditions.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass gathered that Denmark’s $61m scholarship fund aims to attract 230 African students annually to Danish universities over the next eight years.
Successful students will also have access to the EU’s Erasmus exchange programmes, broadening their academic and cultural experience in Europe.
It was also gathered that the scheme forms part of the Danish government’s wider Africa Strategy, which seeks to strengthen ties with the African continent.
The initiative will be administered by the Danica Fellowship Centre, Denmark’s development cooperation, a self-governing institution operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Danida Fellowship Centre offers learning opportunities to partners in Danida-financed development cooperation projects and programmes in developing and growth countries.
Speaking on the development, Christina Egelund, Denmark’s minister for higher education and science, said Africa has a lot of potential and the country is aiming to unlock it through education.
“Africa holds vast potential, and we can help unlock it through education. By 2050, one-third of the world’s youth will reside in Africa, and the continent’s geopolitical importance is rapidly increasing,” she said.
Egelund expressed hope that Danish students would also be encouraged to study in Africa, promoting mutual exchange and learning.
Also, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s foreign minister in a statement accompanying the announcement, said: “It is clearly in our interest that African countries look to Europe when charting their future. This programme is not only an investment in education, but it is also an investment in relationships that will build lasting bridges between Denmark and Africa.
“The initiative is expected to enhance collaboration between Danish and African universities, paving the way for long-term academic and professional partnerships.
“With this programme, Denmark will join the growing number of countries seeking to build influence in Africa through education and cultural exchange, an approach seen as a diplomatic tool in an increasingly competitive global arena.”
