Speaker Abbas Seeks Stronger Nigeria-Saudi Ties, Proposes Scholarship Programme Through Parliament
By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has called for stronger diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly through educational exchange programmes aimed directly at grassroots communities.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the new Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, the Speaker recalled that diplomatic relations between both nations date back to 1961, describing the connection as “extremely, very historic.”
Speaker Abbas specifically requested that scholarship opportunities be channelled to Nigerians through their representatives in the National Assembly, noting that lawmakers maintain direct contact with constituents at the grassroots level.
“I also want to commend your country for supporting a lot of Nigerians on education in particular,” the Speaker said. “So many of our accomplished clerics and scholars in Nigeria can attribute their foundation and success educationally to the scholarships that Saudi Arabia has been giving to our students over the past 40 years.”
He drew a parallel with a recent collaboration with the Algerian Government, which has pioneered a model of engaging the Nigerian Parliament directly, rather than limiting cooperation to the Executive arm alone.
The Speaker recalled that during a visit to Algeria about six months ago, both nations agreed that scholarship slots offered to Nigeria would be shared between the Executive and Legislative branches.
“We are happy to inform you that through that particular understanding, over 200 scholarship slots are under the process of being given to the Nigerian Parliament to also support their (members’) people at the grassroots,” Abbas stated.
He expressed hope that in the coming months, a similar arrangement could be established with Saudi Arabia, ensuring that educational benefits reach Nigerians across all levels of society through their elected representatives.