A controversial Russian scholarship programme allegedly linked to military drone production has triggered widespread condemnation in Nigeria, with the Federal Government denying any official ties to the scheme.
The programme, known as Alabuga Start, is based in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia—an area reportedly hit by Ukrainian missile strikes in April. The zone is at the heart of Russia’s suicide drone manufacturing, producing Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones used in the war against Ukraine.
Marketed as a vocational training opportunity, the programme allegedly lured young African women—including minors—under false pretences.
Reports from The Economist and Associated Press revealed that participants ended up assembling military drones in hazardous conditions, often working up to 12 hours daily with limited protection against toxic chemicals.
One former participant told AP, “They were paid a little token to work in a dangerous place which couldn’t even meet their basic needs… their lives were at risk while working in those explosive environments.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denied involvement. “The ministry is not aware,” said spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. Similarly, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) also denied knowledge: “NiDCOM is not aware at all,” said Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
However, a letter posted on the official website of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Federal Scholarship Board appeared to promote the programme. The document offered Nigerian youths a chance to study at Alabuga Polytech, listing fields like Industrial Automation and Robotics, and promising stipends, free accommodation, and post-study employment.
The letter, titled “Russia 2022 Special Economic Zone”, stated:
“The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Russia is notifying Nigerians about the Alabuga Start Programme, which has an offer of 150 scholarships.”
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, confirmed that Africans were identified among drone factory workers. He warned that such employment puts lives at risk, as these factories are “legitimate military targets.”
“The employment of African citizens at such facilities places their lives at significant risk,” Kholostenko said, referencing the April 23 missile strike on the facility.
Nigerians on social media expressed anger and disappointment, accusing the government of negligence. One user, @humble_izz, claimed his sister returned from the programme and described it as exploitative:
“They were treated differently from what they were told earlier… paid a token to work in a dangerous place.”
Another user, @Superpiz, slammed the government:
“It is a failure on their path; those students should have been returned home unless the FG is complicit with Russia.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr Yemi Farounbi, urged the government to take immediate diplomatic action.
“Whether they were aware of it or not… the government must consider itself involved in the matter,” he said.
Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, former DG of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, echoed this sentiment:
“Giving scholarships is to increase the number of supporters for Russia. Scholarship is a tool of soft power, and that is what Russia may be doing.”
As investigations continue, questions remain about how the scholarship letter ended up on a government website, and whether officials will act swiftly to safeguard Nigerian youths from further exploitation.
