In a development that signals a bold re-definition of international academic collaboration, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Birmingham have entered into a landmark partnership designed to expand access to world-class education while strengthening Nigeria’s research, innovation and human capital ecosystem.
The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Senate Chamber of Senate House, UNILAG, marks a significant milestone in a relationship that has steadily evolved over a decade. Beyond formalising institutional ties, the agreement reflects a shared vision of education as a catalyst for national development and global engagement. At the heart of the collaboration is a commitment to developing high-quality transnational education (TNE) in Nigeria.
Under the agreement, UNILAG and University of Birmingham will work closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education to develop a fully scoped proposal for a Transnational Education Unit to be based in Lagos. Subject to further approvals and agreements, the ambition is for programme delivery to commence in 2027.
The proposed unit will explore priority academic areas aligned with Nigeria’s future-facing needs including Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Communications & Media. By situating globally benchmarked programmes within the Nigerian context, the initiative aims to broaden access to internationally recognised education while ensuring relevance to local realities and development priorities.
Speaking at the MoU Signing Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the partnership as a progressive and inclusive model that opens new pathways for students to engage with knowledge across national and global boundaries.
According to her, the collaboration reinforces UNILAG’s long-standing commitment to producing graduates who are globally competitive yet deeply responsive to societal needs. She noted that the agreement builds on more than ten years of sustained and productive engagement between UNILAG and the University of Birmingham.
Her words “This partnership reflects UNILAG’s broader vision of re-imagining collaborations built on mutual respect, co-creation and shared responsibility. It will continue to create meaningful learning experiences rooted in lived realities and experiential learning through equitable engagement between both institutions.”
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell represented at the event by the University Provost and Vice Principal, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, expressed strong enthusiasm for the joint initiative. He highlighted the opportunity it presents for UNILAG to explore the development of Birmingham-validated programmes delivered in Lagos, thereby extending the reach of the university’s academic excellence beyond its traditional borders.
He noted that the partnership exemplifies the University of Birmingham’s strengths in academic excellence, innovation and global relevance, adding that the institution was proud to be selected based on its long-standing links with Nigeria and its internationally recognised leadership in education and research.
According to him, the University of Birmingham is a global civic institution committed to supporting Nigeria’s tertiary education system and talent development, while contributing to the country’s broader economic growth ambitions. He added that the university looks forward to making a meaningful impact by working collaboratively with partners to nurture and develop the next generation of nation builders.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, who has been central to the realisation of the collaboration, described the agreement as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action; translating vision into tangible outcomes for students, institutions and national development.
Similarly, the United Kingdom (UK) Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Johnny Baxter underscored the broader significance of the partnership, noting that it highlights the strength of UK–Nigeria collaboration in expanding access to world-class education, creating opportunities for young people and driving innovation in critical fields such as Artificial Intelligence.
By bringing together the University of Birmingham’s global expertise with UNILAG’s strong academic reputation, both institutions stand to benefit from shared learning, joint research initiatives and deeper academic exchange, while equipping students with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world, he remarked.
Further goodwill messages were delivered by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, and the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono who was represented by TETFund’s Director of Academics and Staff Training Development, Dr. Hadiza Ismail. Both speakers emphasized the transformative potential of the agreement in re-shaping Nigeria’s higher education landscape through research-driven innovation and initiatives that address real-world challenges.
With the signing of the MoU, the partnership will move into the next phase as both institutions will undertake a rigorous feasibility study alongside the development of shared principles for governance, quality assurance and academic oversight. These foundational steps are expected to ensure the sustainability, credibility and long-term impact of the transnational education initiative.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
