The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot has reiterated the Union’s commitment to a reliable and mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria and the African continent.
He made this known while delivering a public lecture titled The European Union, a Reliable Partner for Nigeria and the World at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
The public lecture was held under the auspices of the African Engineering and Technology (AFRETEC) Network which is coordinated by Professor Ismail Ibraheem (who also heads the Office of International Relations, Partnerships and Prospects). It was graced by academics, students, diplomats, and members of the public who engaged the Ambassador in a lively discussion following his presentation.
Speaking at the Design Studio, Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), Ambassador Mignot, emphasized the EU’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria on shared goals including sustainable development, education, integration, and global cooperation.
According to him, the European Union (EU) is ready to deepen ties with Nigeria and West Africa not just through aids, but also through a partnership built on cooperation, equality, mutual respect, social rights and shared responsibilities.
While recalling the strong human and cultural ties which the EU has built and enjoyed with Nigeria and Africa for several decades, the European Union Envoy identified developmental partnerships, exchange opportunities for young Africans and researchers as well as African integration as key areas where the EU seeks stronger cooperation with Nigeria. He noted that enhancing student exchange programmes, research collaborations and policy dialogue would help reinforce Africa’s role in global affairs.
In a firm call against misinformation, Ambassador Mignot highlighted the need for learning, vigilance and truth in the digital age. He also underscored the critical role of women and children in the growth and development of any society.
The event also featured remarks by the EU Head of Cooperation; Massimo De Luca and the Honorary Consul from the Consulate of Portugal in Abuja, Joana Prata Et Cunha. They both elucidated the huge potentials of Nigeria’s teeming youthful population and its prospects in driving growth and developmental transformation across the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the University Management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Muyiwa Falaiye described Ambassador Mignot’s visit to UNILAG as another step to strengthen educational and cultural ties with Nigeria. He described the public lecture as an eye opener to areas of possible collaborations especially in knowledge creation between the EU and Nigerian researchers.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Islamiat Akanni
