The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced at the 2023 University of Lagos International Week that Nigerians applying for passports will soon enjoy quicker processing and home delivery services. He disclosed this during the event themed 'Breaking the Borders of Partnership'. The minister stated that efforts were underway to automate the passport application process, reducing waiting times to a maximum of two weeks. By January next year, the application process will be completed online, and by February, passports will be delivered to homes, offices, and other chosen locations.
This initiative aims to facilitate travel for Nigerians, including students pursuing higher education abroad. The minister noted that many Nigerian students pursue studies abroad, and it is vital to support their endeavors. In addition to passport automation, the visa application process will also undergo technological enhancements, promoting a seamless experience. Plans to open 12 new visa application centers worldwide are in progress. The ministry is also working on strengthening the visa-on-arrival policy and enforcing reciprocity principles.
The minister's speech emphasized the need for partnerships that transcend borders to address global challenges effectively. He encouraged the academic community to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration over competition, advocating for evidence-based decision-making and contributing to policy shaping.
The University of Lagos is actively pursuing an internationalization agenda to promote global knowledge sharing and research collaboration, highlighting the growing importance of international connections in higher education
