The contemporary civilised society is still saddled with many serious economic, political, social, food and energy problems as had been many several centuries ago. Though today technologies allow us to greatly and rationally utilise and meet our needs, it appears; we have not learned enough lessons from our forefathers. We continue to make or repeat mistakes committed by them.

One of the main reasons and greatest issue here is that people do think too much about their personal benefits though it is never wrong to think about them. However the understanding is that the degree to which one allows other people's interests to intersect with one's is what brings about the main problems to mankind. This had been the general line and character of behaviour most politicians followed and portrayed for many years. This type of behaviour was shown in the relations between developing countries particularly African countries by superpowers for decades. They used the regions for ideological battles against each other.

The results have brought neither them nor the developing countries anything good. Rather these policies have left deep wounds in the society's fibers in the form of regional crises (economic, social and political) and conflicts. Some of them today are still impeding the development of the continent as a whole. After 40 years of independence, the continent has not made any meaningful economic and political progress. Oil rich countries like Angola and Nigeria cannot boast of any development programme for the population. Some countries like Angola, Congo, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Somali have been devastated by permanent civil wars and consequently social, diseases and food shortage problems. Though developed countries only can't be accused for the woes of the continent but it is possible to say that they have helped aggravating them.

Today we see that the Russian Federation is overhauling its economic and political system to suit her current demands, requirements and status. It is welcome news for the whole world particularly for those of us who have studied in the country. This re-orientation, of course, has affected the relationship between the African countries in many spheres particularly in education. During the Soviet era there was a mass «importation» of potential students from developing countries basically with ideological background. Honestly speaking, the programme had given the continent very highly skilled specialists who are managing the policies of various countries today.

Apart from that great programmes of industrial importance undertaken by the Soviet specialists on the continent can be enumerated. For instance the metallurgical plant in Ajeokuta, Nigeria. Unfortunately it is under producing today though it could have given Nigerians and neighbouring states employment. We can imagine the chain reaction effect that would have developed from full utilisation of the plant. Many seriousness economic, industrial and social problems of the continent would have tackled.

Apart from the material, financial and food requirements of the continent, there is also the need to increase manpower development. Some preference can be given to the Russian Federation as one of the shortest and cheapest solution to this problem. Active and balanced policy void of propaganda and based on pragmatism and mutual interests from the Russian federal authorities in this direction will give a new impetus to the relationship between the African continent and the Russian Federation.

This will be an encouragement and invitation to those who want to come and study here to make a confident forward step. However there should be no illusion for whatsoever that the ideological propaganda that surrounded the Soviet for decades can be eradicated within a few years. Moreover the recent nationalist sentiments fermenting in the Russian Federation pose a different category of problem and also discourage potential students from coming. In addition, each institution should embark on public relations programme activities to attract potential students. This should include issues like the award of Bachelor degrees to students who wish to get such a degree. It is also clear that education is never free of charge but some amount of flexibility should also be considered for students who have made such bold steps to come over here. They should be granted temporary working permission during the summer vacation period.