5,000 Nigerians benefit from U.S. exchange programmes

The United States’ Government on Wednesday said that more than 5,000 Nigerians had benefited from its exchange programmes since its introduction.

The Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms Maria Brewer, said this at an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Government Exchange Programmes globally in Abuja.

Brewer said that the exchange programme which was introduced to Nigeria in the 1950s had more than 5,000 Nigerian exchange participants registered in the various programmes of the alumni database.

She also said that more than 500 Nigerians had participated in the different exchange programmes since the current U.S. ambassador’s tenure commenced in 2013.

"I am delighted to salute the more than 500 Nigerians we have sent to the United States on various exchanges since the beginning of Ambassador James Entwistle’s tenure here.

The envoy further said that the event was an opportunity to reflect on the impact the programmes had made in enhancing the understanding of people-to-people relations between both countries.

"The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of exchanges presents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the impact that the exchange programmes have made in improving a wider understanding of American culture and values.

"As you have all seen first-hand, America is continuing a discussion of ideas; you—our programme participants—add to that discussion, making our exchanges mutually beneficial.

"Your visits to big cities and rural counties across America, and especially home visits, have had tremendous impact on the American’s understanding of Nigeria and its struggles,” she said.

Brewer also said prominent alumni in Nigeria include: Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Adams Oshiomhole of Lagos and Edo States, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, among others.

She commended the efforts of the different exchange alumni groups in mentoring other Nigerians adding that, "It represents the most effective strategy to pass on the lessons learned”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. educational and cultural exchange programmes were designed to develop cultural understanding between the United States citizens and citizens of other countries.

These programmes include: the International Visitor Leadership Programme, the Fulbright Programme, the Youth Exchange and Study Programme and other fellowships.