Muslim News gathered that the forum featured six scholarly sessions spread over two days, with 21 speakers drawn from the fields of education and research. The event has attracted more than 400 participants, comprising alumni of Saudi universities from Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The “Forum of Saudi University Alumni in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its Neighboring Countries” officially opened in Abuja on Monday, with a strong call for the activation and expansion of the “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform to boost international student enrollment and strengthen academic diplomacy.
The three-day event, organised under the auspices of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, is being hosted by King Khalid University in collaboration with the University of Tabuk and Najran University. It will run until Wednesday.
The opening ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Saidu Ahmed, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, among other top government officials and academic leaders.
In his keynote address, Mr. Al-Marri emphasized that the remarkable progress in Saudi Arabia’s education sector reflects the leadership’s strategic vision to establish a globally competitive academic system aligned with scientific and technological advancements.
He also highlighted the importance of activating the role of the “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform to boost the attraction of international students, enabling Saudi universities to fulfill their mission of disseminating knowledge and education and of building bridges of academic and cultural cooperation with countries around the world.
Envoy highlights vision 2030, academic cooperation
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to leveraging education as a pillar of international cooperation and national development under Saudi Vision 2030.
He said the Saudi Ministry of Education is using its scholarship programmes to produce high-calibre scientific talent. These individuals, he noted, are expected to return to their home countries equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive local development across diverse scientific and research fields.
“This initiative aligns with the core objectives of Saudi Vision 2030—to empower youth, promote innovation, and build bridges between Saudi Arabia and the world,” he said.
He also reiterated the importance of strengthening the “Study in Saudi Arabia” platform to enhance global academic exchange and foster cultural ties.
Concluding his speech, he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria—represented by the Minister of Education—for hosting the forum, for the excellent organization, and for the warm reception.
He praised the depth of relations between the Kingdom and Nigeria and emphasized the importance of this forum in enhancing joint cooperation in education and scientific research and in consolidating academic partnerships among institutions in friendly countries.
Minister commends Saudi Arabia for supporting international students
In her remarks, Nigeria’s Minister for Education expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its ongoing support to international students through scholarship programs that provide opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange at Saudi universities.
She commended the Kingdom’s distinguished efforts in advancing education at both the regional and international levels.
Dr. Ahmed also thanked the forum’s organizers for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event, affirming that such initiatives help strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two countries and open broader horizons for joint scientific and knowledge exchange.
Forum attracts 400 participants
Muslim News gathered that the forum featured six scholarly sessions spread over two days, with 21 speakers drawn from the fields of education and research. The event has attracted more than 400 participants, comprising alumni of Saudi universities from Nigeria and neighboring countries.
This forum is among the initiatives aimed at strengthening communication between Saudi universities and their non-Saudi graduates, following up on their positive roles and contributions in their communities, and highlighting the importance of reinforcing sound Islamic identity in the face of modern challenges.
It also seeks to consolidate educational and research ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria and neighboring states by promoting academic cooperation and the exchange of expertise and successful experiences—reflecting Saudi universities’ commitment to supporting, empowering, and providing continuous care for their graduates in their home countries.
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