Nigerian international development expert Okpatuma David Otujor is now the first Nigerian in nearly 40 years to graduate from the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, according to a report by the Vanguard.
Otujor has now completed his second master’s degree in International Relations, “deepening a career dedicated to diplomacy, migration policy, and cross-regional cooperation,” the report stated.
His thesis, titled “African Migration and the Changing Dynamics of Global Migration Patterns in the New World Order,” examined the impact of African mobility on international relations, labor markets, and sovereignty debates.
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“This second degree wasn’t just about academics,” said Otujor. “It was about representation, about making sure African voices are part of the rooms and institutions where global futures are being debated and decided. MGIMO gave me both a seat and a voice at that table.”
Described as Russia’s leading institution for diplomacy and international studies, MGIMO was established in 1944 and run by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is known for its unique language learning opportunities with 53 foreign languages delivered full-time, which earned it a Guinness World Record for the largest number of languages taught at a university. With about 8,000 students from 74 countries, international students account for nearly 20% of the total number of students.
MGIMO has educated generations of Russian and international diplomats and has helped Russia expand its partnerships with African nations and the wider Global South, the Vanguard reported.
Through forums, cultural exchanges, and advocacy work, Otujor, who just made history at the university, has been involved in public diplomacy and youth engagement between Russia and Africa.
For six years now, he has partaken in major international forums such as the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Congress of Young Scientists, Russia-Africa Parliamentary Forum, Russia-Africa Summit, World Youth Festival, UN Internet Governance Forum (IGF), and the Global Digital Forum.
He has attended these events not only as a participant but also as a speaker, expert, moderator, and coordinator, sharing his views on issues about global development, youth empowerment, digital transformation, and on what Africa can do to shape the future of international cooperation.
Per his Linkedin profile, Otujor has served as a Youth Advocate with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria and a Volunteer with the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy, where he worked within the Intergenerational Dialogues Team. He was part of the UNESCO’s Global Research Team (Youth As Researchers), a Fellow of the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Centre, Accra, an Independent Monitor with the World Health Organization, Mentor with the Search for Common Ground Nigeria, and also a Diversity and Inclusion Judge at the Y20 Awards, Indonesia.
