US begins Education, Culture Programmes in Lagos

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The United States has established three cultural and educational initiatives in Nigeria.

Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary of State for Culture and Education, made the announcement on Wednesday at the University of Lagos, where she also made a foreign policy statement on the new initiatives.

Her visit followed President Joe Biden’s meeting with African leaders in Washington, DC in 2022, as well as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Nigeria earlier in January.

Satterfield announced the start of the African Creative Initiative in TV, the American Music Mentorship Programme for people in the creative industry, and the Community College Initiative, which would enrol four Nigerian students in a community college in the United States.

She also announced the creation of the Window of America at UNILAG, where students may learn about studying in America, the application process, and educational advice, among other things.

Satterfield stated, “It was important for me to return and discuss growing opportunities between our two countries in education and culture, and I indicated three new projects we are introducing today; that there are economics for Nigerians in the creative economy sector. We see that as an incredible way to expand because of what we’ve seen around the world.”

On the programme’s anticipated start date, she stated, “It will take place in the year 2024. So, very soon!”