The Saudi University Alumni Forum in Nigeria has officially launched in Abuja, marked by the opening of an exhibition.
Organized by King Khalid University in partnership with the University of Tabuk and Najran University, the event is held under the patronage of Nigeria’s Ministry of Education.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Dr. Suwaiba Saidu Ahmed, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, alongside Mr. Saad bin Fahd Al-Marri, Chargé d’Affaires at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja.
During her address, the Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the Saudi government for its unwavering support of international students through scholarship initiatives that promote academic growth and cultural exchange within Saudi institutions. She commended Saudi Arabia’s education-minister-over-alleged-sack-of-varsities-vcs/” title=”Reps invite … minister over alleged sack of varsities’ VCs”>leadership in elevating education both regionally and internationally.
She further highlighted the commitment of the event’s organizers, noting that such forums play a crucial role in enhancing collaborative research and academic partnerships between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, while expanding avenues for shared scientific knowledge.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Al-Marri underscored the remarkable advancements in Saudi Arabia’s educational landscape, attributing these achievements to the Kingdom’s leadership vision aimed at establishing a globally competitive education system aligned with rapid scientific and technological progress.
He emphasized the strategic importance of the “Study in Saudi Arabia” initiative, designed to attract a diverse international student body and empower Saudi universities to fulfill their mission of knowledge dissemination, educational excellence, and fostering intercultural academic ties worldwide.
Mr. Al-Marri also pointed out that the scholarship programs administered by the Ministry of Education are integral to Saudi Vision 2030, as they nurture skilled professionals who return to their home countries equipped to drive development and innovation, while sharing expertise gained in the Kingdom across various scientific disciplines.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for hosting the forum with exemplary organization and hospitality. He praised the robust bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria and emphasized the forum’s pivotal role in advancing educational and scientific collaboration, as well as strengthening institutional partnerships among allied nations.
Spanning three days, the forum features six academic sessions with 21 expert speakers addressing key themes in education and research. It brings together over 400 alumni of Saudi universities from Nigeria and neighboring countries.
This gathering is part of a broader initiative to reinforce connections between Saudi universities and their international graduates, track their impactful contributions to society, and highlight the significance of maintaining a strong Islamic identity amid contemporary challenges.
Moreover, the forum seeks to deepen educational and research collaborations between Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and the surrounding region by encouraging academic partnerships and the exchange of knowledge and best practices. This reflects Saudi universities’ ongoing dedication to supporting, empowering, and engaging their alumni in their home countries.
