Türkiye and Niger have signed a cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening collaboration in higher education for the 2026–2030 period.

The Implementation Protocol was signed during a ceremony held at the Presidential Complex in Ankara by Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), and Yaou Sangare Bakary, Niger’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad.

Under the agreement, the two countries will cooperate on establishing a joint vocational higher school at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger’s capital. The institution is expected to contribute to training qualified technical experts and mid-level workforce needed by Niger.

The planned vocational school is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in vocational and technical education and supporting Niger’s development objectives.

The protocol also includes provisions for providing Turkish language education to Nigerien students, increasing cultural interaction, and expanding academic and scientific opportunities for postgraduate students.

In addition, the agreement foresees the development of academic and scientific cooperation between public universities in both countries. This includes promoting joint research projects, strengthening collaboration among academics, and enhancing the exchange of scientific knowledge.

Türkiye’s recent cooperation agreements with African countries in the field of education are also seen as part of efforts to expand higher education capacity and support the training of skilled technical personnel across the continent.

Officials also note that academic relations between Türkiye and Niger have been strengthened in recent years through student exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, and inter-university cooperation initiatives.

YÖK President Erol Özvar expressed hope that the protocol would further advance academic relations between Türkiye and Niger and be beneficial for both countries. (ILKHA)