Loughborough University, an institution in the United Kingdom, has reaffirmed its commitment to forging long-term, impactful partnerships with Nigerian institutions to drive sustainable development, enhance capacity building, and significantly boost the nation’s growing sports sector.
During a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Pro Vice-Chancellor (VC) for Education and Student Experience at Loughborough University, Professor Sam Grogan, emphasised the university’s dedication to enduring relationships over short-term interests.
“What we’re interested in is getting in for a long-term sustainable relationship that actually makes a long-term difference to the world because the difference that the world needs is not going to be achieved in a year or two,” Grogan stated, underscoring the strategic nature of their engagement.
PTDF Collaboration and Capacity Building
He noted that one of Loughborough’s key initiatives inNigeria is its collaboration with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) on scholarships.
“The purpose of us wanting to work with PTDF around scholarships is, aligning some of our work around capacity building to ensure that it supports the infrastructure capacity building and the skills pipeline to service that.
“These discussions extend beyond traditional scholarships to include potential short courses, master’s programs, and the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), all aimed at aligning the university’s capacity-building efforts with Nigeria’s specific needs, particularly in critical areas such as oil and gas and renewable energy
“We are in for the long term and that is why we meet with government bodies as well as scholarship bodies because my job here is to ensure that we work structurally as well as on an interpersonal basis,” he said.
Prof. Grogan explained that the university’s approach to capacity building involves providing educational opportunities that support the development of a skilled workforce in Nigeria.
“I do not think we have got formal contracts as of yet but that is definitely an area that we want to explore. I am really excited to go later this week to potential university partners because that is the basis for that relationship and it is absolutely something we want to expand on,” He said
Boosting Nigeria’s Sports Sector
Recognized globally for its excellence in sports-related fields, Prof. Grogan said Loughborough University is actively exploring a multifaceted partnership to elevate Nigeria’s sports landscape.
This includes sharing expertise in sports technology, management, and athlete development. The institution envisions a reciprocal exchange, where Nigerian professionals and talented athletes can leverage Loughborough’s world-class facilities and knowledge, while the university gains insights from Nigeria’s unique sporting environment.
According to the Pro Vice-Chancellor “Sport is a global enterprise, a global business, and Nigeria is certainly part of that,” a university representative noted, highlighting Loughborough’s extensive expertise in areas like sports apparel and stadium development. The university also cited its role in developing the technology for the World Cup ball as an example of its significant impact in the field.
Broader Academic Ties
Loughborough’s presence in Nigeria is a deliberate strategic decision to tap into the country’s rich resources and experience. Professor of Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough University, Amanda Daley, articulated this vision, stating, “We have a responsibility to Africa, to share our knowledge and expertise with those who need it most. It was a message I had repeated many times before.
“We are not just here to give; we are also here to learn. We are here to build partnerships that will benefit both our countries, and to find solutions that will make a real difference in people’s lives.
“It was a decision for us to be here. It was a decision for us to recruit colleagues from Nigeria. When you are a massive country, you have a wealth of resource and experience,” she said.
Global Engagement Officer at Loughborough University, Ms. Florence Mutero, confirmed that Loughborough has already established relationships with several Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), following a visit last year. The university is actively pursuing further partnerships and exploring new university exchange programs, indicating a strong desire to expand its academic footprint.
Loughborough University’s engagement aligns with its core institutional priorities: climate change and net zero, vibrant and inclusive communities, and sport, health, and well-being. Existing research initiatives, such as a professor’s work on sports coaching programs now being rolled out across Africa, further exemplify the university’s commitment to promoting healthy well-being and appropriate coaching practices globally.
Loughborough University’s ongoing visit indicates a robust commitment to fostering enduring collaborations that promise to benefit Nigeria’s human capital development across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on sustainable growth and sports excellence.