The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova will begin an official visit to Nigeria on Wednesday.

A statement issued by the UN National Information Officer, Mr. Oluseyi Soremekun, said Bokova hopes to strengthen UNESCO’s programmes in Nigeria.

The UNESCO chief will also hold discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari during the visit.

According to the statement, Bokova will discuss ways to strengthen UNESCO programmes in education, sciences, culture, communication and information and prevention of violent extremism.

“She will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Education and Chairman, Nigeria National Commission for UNESCO, Adamu Adamu and other ministers responsible for UNESCO’s areas of competence,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the UN information officer as saying in the statement.

“The official visit will provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing cooperation with UNESCO in a number of key priorities for the organisation and in relations to the AU Agenda 2063.

“The visit is also to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment to strengthening its action in support of societies and governments in Africa, a global priority for the organisation.

“UNESCO is supporting the African States in their efforts to deepen stability, peace and prosperity, notably within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”