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Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, on Thursday drummed support for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as other education stakeholders, to collaborate and develop a legislative framework for transnational education.
This according to him would boost sustainable growth and development in the education sector as well as monitoring the Japa trends.
Kalu in a statement said, “The focus is on establishing the International Education Commission to promote educational excellence and international collaboration.
“Education could be an export item for Nigeria similar to other destinations Nigerians have been travelling to study," he added.
According to a data from the Central Bank of Nigeria's First-quarter 2024 statistical bulletin, Nigerians spent $38.17m on foreign education between January and March 2024, positing that the amount spent crashed by 83 per cent from $218.87m recorded in the same period of last year.
The Statement continued that the Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker, Osobase Ehizua, is leading efforts to develop a long-term legislative roadmap for the growth of transnational education in Nigeria.
This according to him would support growth of the education sector, enhance bilateral relations and provide education as an exportable service to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
He said, “The upcoming consultation process will pave the way for the establishment of an International Education Commission in Nigeria. This initiative aims to transform regional education, develop market strategies and ensure the safety of Nigerians studying abroad.
“This initiative not only enriches the local educational ecosystem but also aligns with global trends where countries like the United States and the United Kingdom benefit significantly from education exports yearly.
“As Nigeria experiences a surge in higher education interest, partnerships with key players such as China, the United Kingdom, Canada, the US and Australia are crucial to meeting the growing demand for quality education."
