Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), held its 6th Special Lecture Series on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, featuring a compelling presentation by His Excellency, Paulo Martins Santos, the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria.
The lecture, titled “Educational Opportunities within the Framework of Portugal-Nigeria Bilateral Relations,” drew a diverse audience including academics, traditional leaders, and members of the NSUK community to the S.B. Mohammed Auditorium.
In her welcoming remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman (Fellow, UNESCO; ACLS; FIIFP), expressed profound appreciation to Ambassador Santos for honoring her invitation. She highlighted NSUK’s longstanding ties with European institutions and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to strengthening international collaborations for academic growth and development. Professor Liman also underscored the importance of partnerships between Nigeria and Portugal in fostering economic, cultural, and political advancement.
Professor Liman further highlighted the Brunon Holyst Institute of European Studies at NSUK as a prime example of the university’s proactive engagement, aiming to build a robust bridge between Europe and West Africa for academic exchange and research. “The presentation today sheds more light on collaboration and exchange between Portugal and Nigeria,” she added.
Such collaborations she added are poised to unlock a myriad of benefits, including enhanced academic opportunities, scholarships, exchange programs, and joint research projects for both faculty and students. They promise significant international exposure, capacity building through global training, potential improvements in university infrastructure, and deeper cultural cross-cultural understanding.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Paulo Martins Santos expressed gratitude to the university management for the opportunity to share his insights. He highlighted the longstanding and impactful collaborations between Nigeria and Portugal in academics, culture, and political development. The Ambassador also outlined the significant benefits Portugal and other countries derive from Nigeria, including access to crude oil and natural gas. Ambassador Santos reiterated Portugal’s continued commitment to supporting African countries, particularly Nigeria and NSUK. He further emphasized the role of regional economic integration, describing Nigeria as a reliable partner in economic growth, academic excellence, and cultural diversification.
Ambassador Santos, who is marking his second year as Portugal’s envoy to Nigeria, further reiterated the growing academic collaboration and the immense potential benefits for Nigerian students, emphasizing increased access to global education opportunities. He underscored the critical importance of educational mobility and energy cooperation, revealing Nigeria’s role as Portugal’s main energy supplier. “We’ve got hundreds — a minimum of 300 to 400 Nigerians — going to Portugal every year to study,” he stated, illustrating the existing flow of academic exchange.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman of the Special Lecture Committee, Professor Muhammad Akaro Mainoma, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Muhammad Maikano Ari, commended Ambassador Santos for his dedication to the development of African nations. He noted that the event provided an excellent opportunity for Nigeria and NSUK to strengthen collaborations with Portugal in education, research, and economic development, while also serving as a platform for cultural exchange between Africa and Europe.
Delivering a goodwill message, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, the Chancellor of the University, represented by Wambain Keffi, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, conveyed gratitude to the Portuguese Ambassador for his insightful lecture. He stressed the importance of Nigerian students and researchers, particularly those at NSUK, gaining access to scholarships, exchange programs, and joint research initiatives with Portuguese institutions. He lauded the Ambassador’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships in Nigeria, promoting academic collaboration, enhancing cultural exchange, and building capacity in key areas. He further encouraged NSUK management to invite Ambassadors from other countries to broaden awareness about global educational opportunities that can enrich Nigeria’s educational framework.
This significant event serves as a crucial step in strengthening educational ties between Nigeria and Portugal, promoting mutual understanding, and creating invaluable opportunities for students and faculty, thereby enhancing NSUK’s global reputation and partnerships.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Ambassador Paulo Martins Santos by the Vice-Chancellor, supported by principal officers of the University. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the remarkable occasion.
Information and Protocol Unit, 2025.