By Giwa SHILE
No fewer than 500 young Nigerians are expected to be admitted into the different Irish educational institutions in the next academic session, Representative of Ireland Enterprise in Nigeria, Mrs Thessa Bagu, said on Monday.
She said in Lagos that many Irish universities and colleges were particularly interested in giving Nigerians quality education.
According to her, at a time when other countries are closing their doors to immigrants, the Irish government is ready to receive more of them.
“Let me say that when the entire world is sort of against immigration and closing their doors, the same time, Ireland is saying let us double visas for international students because we need more immigration.
“So, we want more Nigerians to know that studying in Ireland is a path to a better career that will also give the tools to work.
“We also want Nigerians to know that Ireland is one of the safest environment with the slogan “The warmest of welcomes” for international students,’’ she said.
Bagu said that the number of Nigerians studying in different Irish universities and colleges was gradually increasing.
She said that there were about 35000 international students currently studying in different Irish institutions.
Bagu expressed optimism that young Nigerians studying in Ireland would expose them to international employment opportunities.
She said that her organisation, which had since two years ago started promoting a Study in Ireland Education Fair, brought together potential Nigerian students in Abuja and Lagos on Oct. 4 and 6.
“These Nigerians had the opportunity of interacting directly with different representatives of Irish universities and colleges on how to secure scholarships, work visas and quality programmes,’’ she
said
