Nigerian scholars in Russia protest exclusion from summer practicals

The Association of Nigerian Scholarship Students in Russia has protested discrimination against Nigerian students who are allegedly being denied the opportunity to benefit from the summer practicals in the second and third years of study in Russia.

Their protest also coincided with the report that some universities in Russia were yet to allow Nigerian students to access physical classes, unlike their Russian counterparts.

In a protest letter by the association of Nigerian students addressed to the National Coordinator, Soyuznik Alumni, Nigeria, the association explained that usually, summer practicals take place in the second and third years of study in most universities, when students work with a company to gain field skills and experience for a specified duration.

It however said, “We have noticed that over the years, some scholars have been denied the opportunity to benefit from the programme.

“They are left to write theory instead of practical or are forced to make do with their universities’ research facilities which are most times limited.”

Some students also complained that while their Russian mates have been allowed to attend physical classes, Nigerian students in some schools are yet to be allowed access. Those affected are students pursuing courses like Nuclear Physics, Medicine, and aircraft engineering.

The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajuba, however, told THISDAY he would investigate the complaints with the Nigerian Scholarship Board.
“We allowed online participation during COVID and have enabled their return.
“I will cross-reference this with the scholarship unit,” he said in a SMS chat.