The federal government has thrown its weight behind the transnational education partnership between the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, describing it as a strategic move to reposition Nigeria as a hub of academic excellence, innovation and global relevance.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known, on Thursday, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham, aimed at globalising Nigeria’s higher education system, modernising curricula and expanding access to internationally competitive academic programmes.
He explained the collaboration represents a major milestone in the implementation of Nigeria’s Transnational Education (TNE) policy and the broader reform agenda of the education sector.
He stated that the TNE policy, recently approved by the federal government, provides a framework for cross-border delivery of academic programmes that will expand access to tertiary education, reduce admission pressure on local universities, and promote international exchange of ideas, research and innovation.
“The policy is also expected to attract foreign investment and funding into Nigeria’s education sector.”
Alausa added the UNILAG/Birmingham partnership aligns seamlessly with the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which prioritises quality, accessibility and global competitiveness.
He noted that international collaborations remain central to the government’s strategy to drive innovation, strengthen research capacity and improve skills development among Nigerian students.
Under the arrangement, the University of Birmingham will validate selected study programmes to be delivered at the University of Lagos, enabling students to earn prestigious international degrees locally.
“The model would enhance curriculum delivery, improve employability, deepen skills acquisition and strengthen global academic networks,” the minister said.
He added the partnership would help create an enabling ecosystem that fosters critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship, while also supporting infrastructure development, teacher training and technology integration across the sector.
Earlier in her remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, said the agreement builds on more than a decade of mutually beneficial partnership between both institutions.
According to her, “the UNILAG–Birmingham relationship has been nurtured over the last 10 years through joint research and academic programmes, particularly in global surgery, reflecting a growing emphasis on equitable global partnerships in higher education and responding to increasing demand for internationally competitive university education.
She emphasised on the impact of collaborative research under the Nigeria Institute of Health Research/Global Surgery Unit, which has established Global Surgery Units in 37 institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiatives, she noted, have delivered over a dozen studies, resulting in a 15 per cent reduction in surgical site infections through behavioural change interventions that have since been translated into federal ministry of health policy and adopted in practice nationwide.
She further noted the collaboration gave rise to the Master of Science in Surgery programme at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, which has mentored over 120 UNILAG students and more than 1,000 students across the country.
“The partnership also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest number of authors on a single scientific publication, with 15,025 contributors,” the VC stated.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, Prof. Adam Tickell, who was represented by the Deputy Provost and Deputy Principal, Prof. Nick Williams, said the MoU represents a commitment to a careful and principled engagement process rather than an immediate outcome.
“Today’s Memorandum of Understanding is not an announcement of an outcome, rather, it is a statement of intent, trust, and seriousness of purpose,” he said.
He noted the agreement commits both institutions “to work together in a structured, evidence-led way to explore how students can benefit from both a University of Lagos and University of Birmingham education right here in Lagos.”
He described UNILAG as one of the leading institutions on the continent and therefore a natural partner for the University of Birmingham, the Russell Group member and a top 100 global university.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, noted that the MoU formalises a strategic alliance between both universities.
“This partnership marks the formalisation of a new alliance focused on joint research initiatives, staff and student exchange programmes, and collaborative academic ventures,” he said.
He explained the collaboration falls under the NUC’s approved Twinning and Articulation Model, adding, “The NUC has long been at the forefront of promoting transnational education in Nigeria, recognising its role in widening access to university education.”
He assured stakeholders of the commission’s oversight role, stating, “we will ensure that transnational education partners meet the same high standards as Nigerian universities, while also learning from global best practices
The UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter stated, “this partnership between the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos shows how UK-Nigeria collaboration can broaden access to UK’s world-class education, expand opportunities for young people and support innovation in vital fields like Artificial Intelligence.
“By bringing together Birmingham’s expertise with UNILAG’s academic reputation, both institutions would benefit from shared learning, joint research, and deeper academic exchange while equipping the next generation with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving digital world.”
Funmi Ogundare and Sunday Ehigiator
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