The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has entered into a landmark partnership with the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, to deliver UK-accredited degree programmes in Nigeria from 2027, in a move expected to significantly expand access to globally recognised higher education for Nigerian students.
The collaboration was formalised on Thursday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a Transnational Education Unit at UNILAG. Under the agreement, the University of Birmingham will validate and deliver selected academic programmes in Nigeria in collaboration with UNILAG and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The MoU was signed by UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, and Provost of the University of Birmingham, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, at UNILAG’s Senate Chamber, in the presence of key education stakeholders.
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The proposed programmes, expected to commence in 2027, will focus on strategic and high-impact fields including Applied Intelligence, Digital Communications and Media, health sciences and engineering, subject to regulatory approvals.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the partnership as a major step towards equipping Nigerian graduates with the skills required to compete in the global economy. He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to strengthen human capital development, expand access to quality education and promote innovation and research.
Alausa noted that the transnational education model would enhance curriculum standards, improve graduate employability and create opportunities for academic exchange, joint research and global networking.
Professor Ogunsola said the partnership reflects UNILAG’s commitment to equitable global collaborations and its determination to meet the growing demand for internationally competitive education within Nigeria. She added that the initiative would modernise teaching and research while boosting the university’s global profile.
Professor Vaughan-Williams explained that the University of Birmingham chose UNILAG based on shared values, a strong academic foundation and an existing decade-long collaboration, particularly in global surgery research. He said the partnership would help prepare students for the future workforce while deepening academic ties between the UK and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, said the initiative would allow more Nigerians to access world-class education at home, reducing pressure on overseas study and addressing capacity constraints in Nigerian universities.
Education experts believe the partnership could help curb academic migration while positioning Nigeria as a hub for transnational higher education in Africa.
