The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand transnational education and deepen research collaboration in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed in Lagos by the Provost of the University of Birmingham, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, and the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, sets the stage for the development of Birmingham-validated academic programmes to be delivered in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the partnership as timely and strategic, noting that it aligns with the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its tertiary education system and broaden access to world-class learning opportunities.
According to him, “The collaboration will consolidate gains in Nigeria’s university sector while integrating global best practices in teaching, research, and innovation.
“This partnership reflects academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance. It is a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, translating vision into measurable outcomes for students, institutions, and national development,” the minister said.
Under the agreement, both universities, in collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, will develop proposals for a Transnational Education Unit to be based in Lagos, with the ambition to commence programme delivery from 2027, subject to further approvals.
Proposed programme areas include Applied Artificial Intelligence and Digital Communications and Media, reflecting emerging skills needs in the digital economy.
Professor Vaughan-Williams said the University of Birmingham was proud to deepen its partnership with UNILAG, stressing that the collaboration builds on existing academic and research links between both institutions.
He noted that, “The university is committed to supporting Nigeria’s talent development and economic growth through education, research, and innovation.
“We are a global civic university committed to supporting Nigeria’s tertiary education and talent needs, as well as its ambitions for a growing economy. We look forward to making a positive contribution to Nigerian society and its development through working with partners to support the development of future nation builders,” he re-emphadised.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola described the MoU as a historic milestone in Nigeria–UK academic relations, recalling that the partnership between both institutions has evolved over more than a decade through joint research initiatives, particularly in global surgery.
She said the proposed transnational education framework would provide an accessible pathway to globally relevant curricula while enabling students to benefit from the strengths of both universities without leaving Nigeria.
“This partnership will produce graduates who are globally competent yet deeply attuned to the needs of our society. It opens new research frontiers and strengthens access to global academic networks,” she said.
The UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, said the partnership highlights the potential of UK–Nigeria collaboration to expand access to world-class education and strengthen innovation in critical fields such as Artificial Intelligence.
He added that, “The collaboration would enhance joint research, academic exchange, and skills development for young people in Nigeria.”
The University of Birmingham has also contributed significantly to Nigeria through research and innovation projects, including its Global Surgery Unit Nigeria Hub, renewable energy installations in teaching hospitals, and ongoing research on maternal healthcare and women’s lived experiences.