Italian Minister Calls for More Nigerian Students, Others Amid Immigration Dispute

Antonio Tajani’s Call for More African Students Sparks Coalition Clash

In a move likely to fuel tensions within Italy’s ruling coalition, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has called for an increase in African students studying in Italy. Speaking at a conference in Rimini, Tajani suggested that more African students could benefit from Italy’s development initiative, the Mattei Plan, which he likened to a modern-day Marshall Plan.

“I think the numbers of African students studying in Italy should be increased”

Tajani’s proposal comes as his Forza Italia party pushes for granting citizenship to foreign minors educated in Italy, a measure opposed by the hard-right factions of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. Currently, Italy lags behind other EU nations in attracting foreign students, issuing only 25,000 study permits in 2022 compared to 105,000 in France and 70,000 in Germany.

Experts cite the limited global use of the Italian language and employment challenges as key reasons for Italy’s lower numbers. Tajani’s remarks could heighten the ongoing debate over immigration and citizenship rights within the Italian government.