Abstract: From the late 1950s to the early 1970s nearly one thousand Nigerians attended universities and professional-technical schools in the Soviet Union. This article examines the recruitment, training and political activity of these students focusing on the years of the Nigerian Civil War. At the beginning, most students were recruited through pro-Soviet organizations and came from the Eastern Region. Initially united within a radical student union, over time Nigerian students were divided along ethnic lines. The article sheds light on the evolution of student politics, the mobilization of Biafrans in support of the secessionist cause, and their conflict with the rest of the students. In light of this conflict, the Soviet authorities acceded to the request of the Nigerian government to impose its strict control over the recruitment and political activity of students. The partnership between Lagos and Moscow provoked the disillusionment of the supporters of Biafra and had a great impact on student politics.