New agreement aims to expand high-quality transnational education and strengthen research collaboration across Nigeria.
(Left to right): Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Minister of Education; Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost of the University of Birmingham; Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.
The University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) today (29 Jan) strengthened their strategic partnership with a new agreement to explore the expansion of high-quality transnational education (TNE) and research collaboration in Nigeria.
University of Birmingham Provost Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams and University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore the development of Birmingham-validated study programmes delivered in Lagos.
The UK Government’s recently published 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.
This partnership reflects exactly what the University of Birmingham brings to the fore—academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa said: “Our planned collaboration and partnership with the University of Birmingham is both timely and strategic at this critical phase of Nigeria’s tertiary education advancement. It is designed to consolidate and deepen the significant gains we have made in strengthening our university system, while expanding access to world-class, high-quality education anchored in global best practices.
“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.”
The partners will now work closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education to develop fully scoped proposals for a Transnational Education Unit, based in Lagos, with the ambition to begin programme delivery from 2027, subject to further agreements.
The unit will consider possible programme areas, including Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Communications & Media.
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams in conversation with Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria's Minister of Education.
Speaking after the signing in Lagos, Professor Vaughan-Williams said: “We’re proud that the University of Birmingham was chosen to collaborate with UNILAG and Nigeria’s Ministry of Education because of our existing links and our globally recognised leadership in 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.”
Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola said: “Today marks a historic milestone in Nigeria-UK academic collaboration with the signing of an MOU to develop a framework for the University of Lagos-University of Birmingham Transnational Education (TNE) collaboration.
“The University of Lagos-University of Birmingham partnership has been nurtured for more than ten years through mutually beneficial research and academic programmes in global surgery. The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on equitable global partnerships in higher education and responds to the increasing demand for internationally competitive university education.
“The University of Lagos-University of Birmingham TNE Framework, if implemented, would represent a new, fair pathway to a globally relevant curriculum. It offers a refreshing, accessible structure for students seeking to advance knowledge across diverse national and global contexts. It allows students to draw from the strengths of both institutions while keeping their academic foundation firmly rooted in Nigeria. This partnership strengthens our commitment to producing graduates who are globally competent yet deeply attuned to the needs of our society.
“It reflects UNILAG’s broader vision of reimagining partnerships built on mutual respect, co-creation, and shared responsibility, enabling our students and faculty to access new research frontiers and global academic networks.”
The next phase of exploration includes a rigorous feasibility study and the development of shared principles for governance, quality assurance, and academic oversight. These steps reflect both universities’ commitment to excellence and expanding access to world-class education across West Africa.
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Jonny Baxter said: ”This partnership between the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos shows how UK–Nigeria collaboration can broaden access to UK’s world-class education, expand opportunities for young people and support innovation in vital fields like Artificial Intelligence.
“By bringing together Birmingham’s expertise with UNILAG’s academic reputation, both institutions would benefit from shared learning, joint research, and deeper academic exchange while equipping the next generation with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving digital world.”
Donna McGowan, Country Director, British Council Nigeria, said: "This partnership between the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos exemplifies the principle of mutuality, where both institutions co-design an academic offer that directly addresses Nigeria’s talent needs. By expanding access to high-quality transnational education (TNE), we would not only provide world-class learning opportunities for young Nigerians but also foster the innovation and digital skills essential for national development."
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.
University researchers have recently 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.
For more information, please contact the press office on +44 (0) 121 414 2772 or pressoffice@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
As well as being ranked among the world’s top 100 institutions, the University of Birmingham is the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, educators and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
Provost and Vice-Principal
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams FAcSS is Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham.
