The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s decades-long relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, describing it as a partnership rooted in shared educational and cultural values fostering mutual growth.
At a meeting with Venezuelan officials, Dr. Alausa emphasized the nations’ collaboration within the UN, Non-Aligned Movement, and OPEC, noting education and culture as inseparable pillars of cooperation. He pledged to consolidate bilateral arrangements into a single Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track implementation, strengthen education diplomacy, and expand opportunities.
The Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Alberto Castellar Padilla, highlighted the enduring cultural and educational bond, stressing the need to advance the partnership. He expressed optimism that signing the new draft agreement would open a fresh chapter in bilateral relations.
Discussions on cooperation began in 1994 in Caracas, leading to a cultural and educational agreement signed in 1999. Its implementation stalled due to lack of a signed protocol. In 2007, Venezuela further expressed interest in supporting basic schools in Africa, including Nigeria.
With renewed commitment, both nations aim to consolidate their long-standing partnership into actionable steps that will strengthen educational and cultural cooperation for future generations.
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
