The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) officially launched the Ukrainian Bookshelf at the university's library in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The initiative, spearheaded by Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska, aims to make Ukrainian literature, history, and culture accessible to readers worldwide, with bookshelves now present in hundreds of libraries across numerous countries.
Ceremony Marks Cultural and Educational Milestone
Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko attended the opening ceremony alongside AUST leadership, academic staff, and embassy officials. During the event, a Ukrainian diplomat presented the donated collection, which comprises English-language books covering Ukraine's cultural heritage, traditions, and its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ambassador Kholostenko emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: "We highly value our cooperation with the African University of Science and Technology and the joint initiatives we have already implemented. I believe education is one of the most important bridges between nations and cultures. Students, teachers, books and the exchange of knowledge help us build strong and lasting connections between our societies."
Book Collection Highlights Ukrainian History and Resistance
The donated books explore key chapters of Ukrainian history, including the nation's pursuit of independence and its resistance to Russian military aggression. Some titles focus on Ukraine's architectural heritage and societal traditions, providing students and lecturers with a broader understanding of the country's past and present.
Kholostenko expressed hope that the collection would find many readers among AUST's students and professors, helping them better understand Ukraine's history, culture, and struggle for freedom. "We also hope that this collection will become another symbol of friendship and connection between Ukraine and Nigeria," he added.
Broader Ukraine-Nigeria Educational Cooperation
The bookshelf launch represents the latest in a series of joint projects between the Ukrainian Embassy and AUST, focusing on academic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. These initiatives underscore the growing ties between Ukraine and its African partners.
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that on Friday, June 20, 2025, the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja organized a cultural programme highlighting the country's history, traditions, and national symbolism. Students from Abuja World Academy wore traditional Ukrainian costumes, listened to the national anthem, performed the hopak dance, and sampled Ukrainian cuisine. The event also spotlighted the vyshyvanka, the embroidered shirt, as a key element of national identity.
