The Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gloria Tiwet, says no fewer than 13,000 Nigerians study annually in her country, signalling robust bilateral relations between the two countries.

Tiwet made this known  at the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) Alumni Programme 2022 in Abuja.

She noted that the numbers of Nigerian students to Malaysia had started to pick again following a disruption of academic exercise; as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Before COVID-19, every year, we had a total of 13,000 Nigerian students.

“During COVID-19, there was no movement, so there was zero students because most of them would have returned to Nigeria.

“Starting this year,, our borders have been opened since April, and right now, we have around 4,000 Nigerian students who returned to continue their studies and there are also very few who are just starting their universities.

“So, right now, there is around 4,000 and I look forward to the numbers to increase to the numbers before COVID-19, that is, 13,000. Every year, there was 13,000 students,” Tiwet said.

Tiwet who also noted that Malaysia was one of the top destinations for Nigerian students said the numbers of students received in Malaysia were either sponsored by their parents, the Government of Nigeria, or Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

She also noted that the concerns of students were adequately handled and responded to, by relevant authorities and the schools.

“So, their affairs are under their respective universities or colleges that they study. And these universities are responsible for their wellbeing.

“And if they have any difficulties, they are to inform the security. But of course, in an institution of higher learning, they have a department of student affairs that will have check and balance and to see that they are good students, “she added.

Tiwet said the MTCP was established in 1980 in the spirit of South-South Cooperation, adding that the programme was a proof of the commitment of the government of Malaysia towards the promotion of technical cooperation among developing countries.

She said that the programme offered support to areas where Malaysia had experience and expertise.

She said that since its establishment, Malaysia had  extended trainings to 144 recipient countries and a total number of 34,000 people have benefited, including Nigerians.

Tiwet disclosed that 495 Nigerian officials have participated in the programme amongst those from the 144 countries.

President of MTCP Alumni, Solomon Adams, said the trainings had been very impactful and very helpful in their various offices.

“And, it has impacted us positively. We wish to state categorically clear, that we hope that in the future, we are going to have more of our citizens benefit from this training,” Adams said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event, in its third edition witnessed the provision of food items to individuals by the MTCP Alumni, with support from the government of Malaysia. (NAN)