The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner, on Tuesday said that about 500 Nigerian youth were given the opportunity, annually, to study in German universities by his country’s government.

Mr. Zenner said this in Lagos and added that the beneficiaries were offered admissions to study in the different universities on scholarships and through self-sponsorship.

“Under the Germany Educational Exchange Services, 500 young Nigerians study every year in our different universities.

“These Nigerians go to Germany partly on scholarships or through self-sponsorship.

“And from experience so far, I am impressed with the number of Nigerians who did their research work in German educational institutions,’’ he said.

The envoy said that his government also gave such Nigerians the option of whether to come back after their studies or work in Germany.

Mr. Zenner said that for any Nigerian to benefit from the exchange programme, he or she should first learn to read in and speak German language.

The ambassador disclosed that the German government’s plan was to create the right learning environment for Nigerians in its institutions.

Mr. Zenner also said that plans were underway by the government to partner some Nigerian universities in the learning of German language.

“Nigeria really matters to the German government and we want more Nigerians to come and study in Germany.

“I therefore, think that it is important for us to foster the integration of the study of German language here in Nigeria,’’ he said.

(NAN)