Nigeria lends Liberia support

Nigeria has promised help to the University of Liberia in Monrovia, which the civil war has left in need of repair.

Peter Okebukola, executive secretary of Nigeria's National University Commission, said: "Although NUC is unable to make financial contributions, it will deploy its huge capabilities to help the University of Liberia to make a quick recovery from the effects of the war."

A University of Liberia council committee estimated that $60 million (£35 million) was needed for reconstruction over ten years.

Nigeria will donate books to the university, and a team of engineers will visit Monrovia to assess structural damage. A total of 61 buildings at three campuses need renovating.

Nigeria will give academic staff free access to a "virtual" higher education staff training academy.

• The US has given Nigeria $200,000 to reform university administrations and curriculum development.