We’ve trained thousands of Nigerians in ICT, engineering – India

  The Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat, disclosed on Tuesday that her country has trained thousands of Nigerians in diverse fields, including ICT, engineering, rural development, finance, governance, and entrepreneurship. While speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in Abuja on Tuesday, she […]

 

The Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Ms. Vartika Rawat, disclosed on Tuesday that her country has trained thousands of Nigerians in diverse fields, including ICT, engineering, rural development, finance, governance, and entrepreneurship.

While speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in Abuja on Tuesday, she said it has not only empowered individuals but has also contributed meaningfully to national development.

“India and Nigeria share common democratic values, a deep historical bond, and growing economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties. Today, as we celebrate ITEC Day, we also celebrate a partnership based on mutual respect, learning, and shared aspirations,” she said.

According to Ms Rawat, over 200,000 officials from 160 countries have participated since the inception of the international capacity building programme.

“I am happy to inform you that India has so far trained more than 200,000 officials from more than 160 countries in both civilian and defence sectors under the ITEC programme.

“These programmes have been designed by utilising India’s vast and rich network of governance and development-related expertise available in higher educational institutions and training facilities,” she said.

The envoy said in addition to the regular calendar-based courses, India also caters to the country-specific request for training in specific areas of governance by organising customised training programmes.

“Last year, we organised the visit of 25 officials from NASRDA to the ISRO Centre in Dehradun; 25 officials from various Ministries for an IT training program at CDAC, Mohali and 25 officials for teachers training at NITTTR Chennai.

“Apart from ITEC, the Government of India also has various programs like the India-Africa Maitri Scholarship Scheme (30 students from Nigeria benefit each year); Distinguished Visitors Program, the Academic Visitors Program, Kendriya Hindi Sansthan Program, Program for Young Diplomats, etc,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ministry’s deputy director for the Asia and Pacific division, Amb. Mohammed Haidara, hailed India’s commitment to sharing its knowledge.

He said Nigerians who have undergone training programmes in India have returned “not only with enhanced technical skills but with brilliant perspectives and renewed progress”. (1:30)

“They have become catalysts for change, driving innovation in governments, agriculture, ICT, healthcare, and much more. The impact of ITEC is visible across our ministries, agencies, departments, and institutions.”