Relations between Nigeria and Turkey date back to the Ottoman period. These relations continue even after Turkey was declared a republic as well. It was also documented that the Borno empire in the northern region once solicited Turkey’s educational support in the 1950s. The opening of the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria in 1962 shows that our modern diplomatic ties are deep-rooted.
Just like Turkey, Nigeria is one of the leading countries in Africa and the world with its population, resources, and other features. I can say that Turkey discovered the potential of Nigeria early. Nigeria is also included in the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which the Republic of Turkey pioneered in 1997.
Since then, high-level visits and partnerships have taken place between the two countries. With the effect of these developments, the trade volume between Turkey and Nigeria in 2019 exceeded 725 million dollars. Of course, it will be in the interests of both countries that this number goes beyond 1 billion U.S. dollars in the coming years. It is known that Turkish goods have popularity and prestige in Nigeria. Regular flights between the two countries are almost always full. So, it’s normal to be hopeful for the future.
Beginning from 2000s, we witnessed the awakening of interest towards Africa by Turkey which brings with it an increase in cultural exchange. I remember that Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) provided food aid to families who were victims of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria. Similarly, the First lady of Turkey Mrs. Emine Erdogan, had inaugurated an orphanage home built by TIKA in 2016. Other Turkish humanitarian civil organizations such as Yunus Emre Institution and Türkiye Maarif Foundation have also fast-tracked their services and activities in Nigeria in recent times, which makes me very happy. These interventions gladdens the hearts of Nigerians– Muslims and Christians alike.
Furthermore, the activities of Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), an agency under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism provides a wide range of scholarships under the “Türkiye Scholarships” programs, gives study opportunities to many international students from Africa as well as from all over the world, at prestigious Turkish universities. As of 2012, more than 16,720 applications were received from Nigeria within the scope of Türkiye Scholarships program. This indicates that Turkey and its educational opportunities are more recognized among the Nigerian youth. A total of 337 students from Nigeria were awarded scholarships within 9 years. Presently, there are a total of 125 Nigerian scholarship holders, 59 of whom are undergraduate, 36 graduate, and 30 doctoral students, who are continuing their education at prestigious Turkish universities. In addition, we have more than 2,000 Nigerian citizens who studied at various Turkish universities with their means.
I was also a beneficiary of the Turkish Scholarship code-named “Türkiye Bursları” and I felt the choice of Turkey as a destination for the post-graduate study was an appropriate one. In Turkey, the quality of conducive learning environment, unmatched and responsive lecturers and accommodative and hospitable Turkish population are among the very few features that make studying in Turkey a remarkable and memorable experience to reckon with. Despite being far away from family and loved ones, Turkey through the YTB frequently organizes socio-cultural activities among various students from various countries which invariably makes stay more pleasant to foreign nationals.
The recent planned visit to Nigeria by the President, Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan excited most of our members. As the Turkish Alumni association, we would continue to play our role as a bridge for successful implementations of policies that would strengthen relationships and harness potentials for economic growth for both nations.
At last, we wish the October visitor, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan successful deliberations and a safe trip back to Turkey.
Dr. Mohammed Bawa Gummi is the President of the Association of Turkish Graduates Alumni in Nigeria
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