University of Abuja Partners Russian Institution to Introduce Russian Language Teaching, says first 300 Candidates to Enjoy Free Registration for A1 Certification

By Iyojo Ameh

The University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University) has announced the introduction of Russian language teaching at the General Studies (GST) level, alongside an A1 Certification Programme, in collaboration with the State University of Education, Moscow, Russia (Open Center of Russian Language).

According to her, the official induction ceremony for the programme is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, beginning at 10:00 a.m. prompt.

Dr. Madina Umar-Osuma, also said that the programme is a reflection of the institution’s growing commitment to multilingual education and global academic cooperation.

The new language is designed to expand students’ linguistic capacity and open up international opportunities through education, research, and cultural exchange. The teaching structure will adopt a hybrid learning model, combining both physical and virtual sessions to accommodate a wide range of participants.

The introduction of Russian, one of the six official languages of the United Nations is a strategic milestone for the University of Abuja in positioning its students for global relevance.

Participants will not only acquire basic communication skills in Russian but also gain access to several key benefits, including: cultural exchange programmes with partner institutions in Russia, career and academic opportunities through international collaborations and short visitations and research access to original Russian manuscripts for scholars.

In an effort to encourage early participation, the University announced that registration is free for the first 300 candidates enrolling in the A1 Certification Programme.

The statement also urged interested students and researchers to take advantage of the initiative, describing it as a gateway to new academic and diplomatic horizons.

“This collaboration will deepen cross-cultural understanding and strengthen Nigeria’s educational ties with Russia,” the statement read. “Learning Russian is not only a linguistic skill but also a pathway to international engagement in science, technology, and diplomacy.”

The programme is expected to attract students, lecturers, and professionals from diverse fields who seek to enhance their global competence and broaden their career prospects.

With the launch of this initiative, the University of Abuja joins a growing number of African universities introducing foreign language education beyond traditional French and Arabic options, thereby expanding the continent’s linguistic and cultural footprint.