The European Union says it has entered into an agreement worth €18 million with Nigeria to boost research and development capabilities to implement the country’s national plan for pharmaceutical industry advancement, local production of vaccines and medical technologies.
In a statement released by the EU Head of Communication on Friday, Modestu Chukwulaka, it was emphasised that the partnership underscores the EU’s commitment to promoting educational and health equity. It was indicated that the agreement was jointly signed by the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and the Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, during the EU Global Gateway high-level event on education held in Brussels on Thursday. “Economic growth hinges on a well-educated, skilled workforce and robust healthcare systems. Therefore, investing in fortifying education and health systems globally is a pivotal aspect of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. “Our investments in quality education, research, and training aim to empower future generations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to confront global challenges and foster prosperity,” Urpilainen stated.
The European funding, allocated under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies in Africa, will provide support for enhancing various facets of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. In addition to the cooperation on pharmaceutical advancements, Urpilainen also signed off on 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects funded by the EU, totalling €27 million under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa initiative. The projects aim to offer learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees, and staff across the continent to enhance high-level green and digital skills.
