The United Kingdom has reiterated its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s Education sector through robust collaborations between universities in both nations. This renewed commitment was emphasised during the “Going Global Conference” in Abuja, which was themed “Building Sustainable and Relevant Tertiary Education Institutions and Systems in Africa.” The three-day conference, hosted by the British Council recently, gathered policymakers, academic leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of tertiary institutions in Africa. The UK announced key initiatives to expand partnerships, enhance institutional capacity, and drive Innovation in the sector.
As part of its efforts, the UK revealed three new Transnational Education (TNE) projects to commence in January 2025. These initiatives will focus on deepening collaborations between universities in both nations, with support from the British Council’s TNE exploratory grants scheme. The goal is to improve institutional systems, strengthen research and academic programs, and bridge the gap between academia and industry. The UK also emphasised its broader strategy to ensure partnerships benefit both nations. These initiatives aim to transform the learning system by promoting knowledge exchange and creating sustainable frameworks while enhancing students’ access to quality learning without leaving their home country.
Collaborate with leaders to address Africa’s institutional needs.
With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and over 60% under 25, the demand for quality schools is more pressing than ever. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, emphasised the need for scalable, sustainable, and high-quality academic systems to harness the potential of Africa’s youth. The UK has consistently supported this vision by prioritising investments in institutions. These partnerships target academic collaboration and capacity-building programs that prepare African youth for a rapidly evolving global workforce.
Furthermore, the conference featured notable stakeholders, including Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki. Discussions focused on strengthening the nation’s domestic academic systems while enabling global partnerships that support research, Curriculum development, and institutional growth. Following the conference, a delegation of 11 UK universities, led by Sir Steve Smith, will visit Lagos. This visit aims to explore sustainable strategies for advancing transnational academic partnerships and enhancing mutually beneficial projects.
Their longstanding role in transforming the Nigerian academic system.
However, the UK’s institutional collaboration with Nigeria has a rich history. Initiatives such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships have enabled students and professionals to access world-class learning in the UK, focusing on areas critical to the country’s development, like health, technology, and public administration. The British Council has also led programs that promote Teacher training, improve STEM education, and enhance English proficiency. These efforts have addressed gaps in the nation’s academic system and aligned it with global standards.
Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships, which gained momentum in 2014, have promoted academic collaborations between the two nations’ institutions. Through joint degrees, curriculum co-development, and research initiatives, TNE projects create opportunities for students to access quality academics locally while benefiting from international expertise. These programs have also driven cross-sector innovation, aligning academic research with industry needs to address agriculture, climate change, and healthcare challenges. UK-funded initiatives like the Girls’ Education Project (GEP) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs have targeted marginalised groups and unemployed youth in Nigeria.
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Lastly, the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s academic sector extends beyond traditional programs. Recent efforts, such as Digital Learning initiatives launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect the adaptability of these partnerships to address emerging challenges. The announcement of three new TNE projects marks another milestone in this journey. The UK aims to build enduring academic frameworks that benefit both nations by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. These efforts reaffirm the transformative power of learning in driving development and unlocking potential.