Ogarev Mordovia State University welcomed a delegation fr om the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 8−9 June 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation and promote academic and cultural exchange between Russia and African countries.

The delegation included Chief Executive Officer of Afia Television Emeka Nkem Xavier Mba, Head of the News Department of Afia Television Amazing Grace Dupe Ajayi, and entrepreneur, owner of Cbentouch Design Firm, and Afia Television journalist Chainaecherem Benjamin Ochogbue.

Over the course of the two-day visit, the guests were introduced to the university’s educational, scientific, and social infrastructure. The delegation visited the Medical Institute, the Federal Center for Biotechnology and Medicine Development, and the Simulation Center, where they learned about the university’s training facilities and innovative approaches to medical education.

The visitors also met with African students currently studying at the university. During the discussion, students shared their experiences of studying in Russia, spoke about academic opportunities available at the university, and discussed their adaptation to life in Saransk. Representatives of the Nigerian delegation expressed particular interest in the experiences of international students and the support mechanisms available to them.

As part of the program, the guests toured several major university facilities, including the M.M. Bakhtin Scientific Library, the Student Swimming Pool, and the Ogarev Arena sports complex. The delegation highly praised the university’s modern infrastructure and the conditions created for students' academic and personal development.

One of the key events of the visit was the meeting with the Acting Rector of Ogarev Mordovia State University. During the conversation, members of the delegation shared their positive impressions of the university and noted the strong international character of the institution.
The guests particularly highlighted the diversity of the student community and the presence of students fr om numerous countries, describing the university as an environment that encourages intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding. They also commended the university’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for international students and fostering a welcoming academic atmosphere.

During the meeting, the Acting Rector announced plans to establish a Russian-African Cultural Center at the university in the autumn of 2026. The initiative was warmly welcomed by the Nigerian delegation, which described it as an important step toward strengthening humanitarian, educational, and cultural ties between Russia and African nations.

On the second day of the visit, the delegation also visited the Institute of National Culture, wh ere they learned about the rich cultural heritage of the Republic of Mordovia and the university’s efforts to preserve and promote cultural diversity.

Summing up the results of the visit, the Nigerian guests expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the fields of education, media, culture, and youth exchange. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in developing new partnership initiatives aimed at strengthening relations between Russia and Africa and creating additional opportunities for students and young professionals.

The visit became another significant step in expanding the university’s international partnerships and strengthening dialogue with representatives of African countries.