The Federal Government and the United States of America (USA) have expressed interest in enhancing educational and cultural ties between both nations, reaffirming their commitment to mutual understanding, cooperation, and progress.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday by the Director, Press in the ministry, Mrs Folashade Boriowo.
This is as she said that both countries made the commitment when a delegation from the United States of America, led by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lee Satterfield paid a visit to the ministry.
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, emphasising the intention to foster collaboration in the fields of education and culture, particularly in television and filmmaking.
She expressed optimism that the 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, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman emphasised the potential for robust cooperation in cultural exchange, television, and filmmaking within the higher education sector.
Mamman underscored the significance of the partnership in advancing bilateral interests and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said that addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, improving teacher quality, and enhancing technical and vocational education and training programmes, were other key areas for collaboration.
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 emphasised the presence of a substantial number of Nigerian students in the United States, which ranks 7th among countries sending students to study there.