Birmingham University to Offer UK Degrees at UNILAG from 2027
Strategic Partnership Between University of Lagos and University of Birmingham
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom have entered into a significant partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement marks a major step towards establishing a Transnational Education Unit (TNE) at UNILAG, with the goal of delivering academic programmes starting from 2027.
This collaboration is set to involve Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, aiming to develop detailed proposals for the TNE unit. The initiative will focus on several key areas, including Applied Intelligence, Digital Communications and Media, health sciences, and engineering. These fields are considered critical for addressing both local and global challenges while equipping students with skills relevant to the modern workforce.
The MoU was signed by Prof Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, and Prof Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost of the University of Birmingham. The event took place in the Senate Chamber of UNILAG and was attended by several prominent figures, including Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter; and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof Abdullahi Ribadu.
Benefits of the Partnership
Dr Alausa highlighted the potential benefits of this partnership, emphasizing that it aligns with the ministry's objective of producing globally competitive graduates who can contribute to national development. He noted that transnational education partnerships open doors to exciting research collaborations in emerging fields such as renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.
Alausa also pointed out that the collaboration could increase access to internationally recognized programmes for Nigerian students, expanding their opportunities for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, he stressed that the partnership would provide students with international exposure, shaping them into leaders in their respective fields.
He added that the model of TNE partnership involves the delivery of validated study programmes by the University of Birmingham at UNILAG. This collaboration aims to explore undergraduate and postgraduate education in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare. Alausa expressed hope that by 2027, the first batch of students will be admitted, allowing Nigerian students to receive world-class education without leaving the country.
Vision for Global Collaboration
Prof Ogunsola emphasized that the partnership reflects UNILAG’s commitment to equitable global partnerships in higher education. She noted that the collaboration responds to the growing demand for internationally competitive university education and is a critical step towards modernizing curricula, enhancing global visibility, and strengthening research fields.
She further stated that the partnership offers an accessible structure for students seeking to advance knowledge across diverse contexts. This initiative strengthens UNILAG’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only globally competent but also deeply attuned to the needs of Nigerian society.
Shared Goals and Future Prospects
Prof Vaughan-Williams, the Provost of the University of Birmingham, reiterated the institution's ongoing efforts to build global partnerships in the transnational education space. He cited shared ambitions, values, and a vision to be among the top 200 universities globally as key reasons for choosing UNILAG as a partner.
He also mentioned the existing partnership between the two institutions in the field of global surgery, which has contributed to improving surgical environments and outcomes in Nigeria and beyond. The new collaboration aims to expand these efforts into other areas of education and research.
Jonny Baxter, the UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the partnership in enabling Nigerians to access quality education locally. He noted that the collaboration would help address the limitations of tertiary institutions in Nigeria by providing more admission opportunities for students.
Strengthening Academic and Research Opportunities
Prof Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, pointed to the opportunities offered by the collaboration, including joint research, staff and student exchange programmes, and knowledge exchange. These initiatives aim to address global needs through collaborative efforts.
Dr Hadiza Ismail, speaking on behalf of the TETFund Executive Secretary, Mr Sonny Echono, emphasized that the partnership would provide continued access to quality degrees and academic opportunities within Nigeria. This is particularly important following the suspension of the foreign scholarship scheme in November 2024, as it helps reduce academic migration and retain talent in the nation’s institutions.
Overall, this strategic partnership between the University of Lagos and the University of Birmingham represents a significant milestone in fostering educational and research collaborations that benefit both institutions and the broader Nigerian society.
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