New postgraduate programmes in AI & Data Technologies and Digital Media & Communications aim to expand high-quality transnational education across Nigeria.
Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, greets University of Birmingham Provost Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams.
The University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has launched two joint postgraduate study programmes delivered in Lagos. This official launch follows the two universities signing a Memorandum of Understanding in January.
Teaching on the one-year MSc Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Technologies and MA Digital Media & Communications will start in September 2027. The programmes were launched by University of Birmingham Provost Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams and University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola in the presence of Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON.
As digital technology continues to grow in global importance, both programmes are designed to equip graduates with the skills they need to contribute to Nigeria's growing economy.
Working closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education and National Universities Commission (NUC), the partners have developed the programmes as part of a Transnational Education Unit, based in Lagos. Discover more information on how to apply for the programmes.
Universities have a critical role in preparing graduates for rapidly changing global economies – supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. Our joint postgraduate programmes will equip students with the tools to build exciting careers and contribute to Nigeria’s future success.
Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON said: “Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we have made significant strides in advancing Nigeria’s tertiary education system, strengthening academic standards and expanding opportunities for our students. Our partnership with the University of Birmingham builds on this progress and reflects our commitment, through the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), particularly its Education Quality Assurance pillar, to bringing world-class education closer to Nigerian students while positioning our institutions for greater global competitiveness.
“This partnership reflects exactly what the University of Birmingham brings to the fore —academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance. It is yet another clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action, translating vision into tangible outcomes for our students, institutions, and national development.”
Speaking after the launch in Lagos, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams said: “We’re proud to launch these programmes with our partners at UNILAG. Together we’re supporting Nigeria’s tertiary education and talent needs, which are central to its ambitions for economic growth.
“Universities have a critical role in preparing graduates for rapidly changing global economies – supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities. Our joint postgraduate programmes will equip students with the tools to build exciting careers and contribute to Nigeria’s future success.”
Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola said: “The University of Lagos-University of Birmingham TNE collaboration reflects UNILAG’s broader vision of reimagining partnerships built on mutual respect, co-creation, and shared responsibility. This will create more opportunities to share experiences based on lived realities and experiential learning through equitable engagement between the two Institutions.
“It also represents a major step towards globalising Nigeria’s higher education. It is a critical step toward enhancing global visibility, modernising curricula, and strengthening research fields such as AI, digital media and communications, health sciences and engineering focusing on transnational education that provides world class training in Nigeria.”
The University of Lagos-University of Birmingham TNE collaboration reflects UNILAG’s broader vision of reimagining partnerships built on mutual respect, co-creation, and shared responsibility. This will create more opportunities to share experiences based on lived realities and experiential learning through equitable engagement between the two Institutions.
The MSc AI & Data Technologies programme combines a strong grounding in AI theory with the practical skills to develop and apply AI solutions. Through research-led teaching and real-world problem-solving, students study machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, data management and AI ethics – strengthening programming, data analysis, and critical evaluation capabilities.
Students build a professional development plan and portfolio, preparing them for careers in fintech, healthcare innovation, intelligent systems design, and business analytics, in West Africa and internationally.
The MA Digital Media & Communications equips students with the knowledge, skills, and research tools to examine how we communicate in a digital world. It gives students opportunities to investigate digital cultures, reflect on key questions about power and identity in digital communications, and consider the ethical dimensions of digital media.
Students will acquire transferable skills in research methods, digital content creation, and broadcasting – engaging critically with a variety of media practices, preparing them for careers in digital communications or journalism.
The UK Government’s International Education Strategy aims to make the UK the global partner of choice at every stage of learning - growing its leadership in TNE to expand access to high-quality UK study programmes overseas. The strategy highlights Nigeria as one of the UK’s key partner countries for TNE development.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “These new joint degree programmes demonstrate how our universities can work together to deliver world-class education that responds to the needs of a rapidly changing economy.
“As Nigeria continues to grow as a technology and innovation hub, strengthening skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, data science, and digital communications will be critical. This partnership reflects the strength of the UK-Nigeria relationship and our shared ambition to create opportunities for young people, foster innovation, and support sustainable economic growth.”
Donna McGowan, Country Director, British Council Nigeria, said: “The British Council is delighted to support the launch of the University of Birmingham’s postgraduate programmes in Nigeria, in partnership with the University of Lagos. Transnational education is a powerful example of the strength of the UK-Nigeria partnership.
“By bringing high-quality UK education closer to home, it expands opportunities for shared learning, promotes knowledge exchange, and helps develop the skills and talent needed to drive Nigeria’s future growth and prosperity. Enabling Nigerian students to access UK postgraduate degrees in-country offers a more affordable and accessible pathway to quality international education whilst contributing to national development.”
For more information, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager at University of Birmingham on +44 (0)7827 832312.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.
The University of Birmingham is already making a positive contribution to Nigerian society through research and innovation initiatives that address real-world needs:
The NIHR Global Surgery Unit (GSU) Nigeria Hub celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. One of seven surgical research Hubs across the Global South with an extensive network of urban and rural ‘Spoke’ hospitals, the Nigeria Hub has contributed to creating a significant body of research on critical surgical issues such as surgical site infection.
The University of Birmingham also joined forces with global charities to install solar power at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), in Ile Ife – allowing operating theatres and intensive care unit to continue to function safely and effectively during power blackouts.
In 2026 university researchers launched a four-year project in south-east Nigeria to explore Nigerian women’s lived experiences and help improve maternal care in the region. The project uses social science research that will help young women build brighter futures amid economic, social, and religious pressures.
Provost and Vice-Principal
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams FAcSS is Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham.
