Led by their Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings, a delegation from the University of Loughborough, United Kingdom, arrived the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Friday, May 31, 2024.
The visit is to pursue plans for collaborative research and teaching, as well as strategic partnerships between the two universities.
Received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, discussions between the two heads focused on potential partnerships to enhance educational delivery and research capacities of the two institutions.
There was a showcase of current research projects from both varsities, covering renewable energy, environment, biomedicals, and sports.
In his remarks, Professor Jennings emphasized the importance of international collaborations in addressing global challenges and promoting academic excellence. He highlighted Loughborough University’s commitment to developing strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, including the University of Lagos.
He disclosed that the University of Loughborough was voted ‘Sports University of the Year’ by The Times. The University helmsman added that a substantial number of his varsity’s students participated and won medals in the Tokyo Games and Paralympics event.
His words: “Sport is synonymous with Loughborough University as we are rated as the world’s number one University for sport-related academia by the Qs rankings. We have excelled across a broad range of sports-related subjects, including sports science, medicine, technology, ergonomics, and business”.
The Artificial Intelligence expert was also unequivocal about the idea of setting up a Centre of Excellence in the area of sports, exercise, and health through the natural and social sciences.
While navigating the landscape for research, funding, collaborations, and transnational education partnerships, a member of the Loughborough University delegation who is the varsity’s Dean of School of Building and Architecture, Professor Malcolm Cook showcased other areas of the institution’s programmes. He highlighted the breadth and depth of the varsity’s impact on individuals, regions, and countries.
Professor Cook explained that “the school has an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research and is creating a culturally vibrant students community that benefits from the inclusion of students from across the globe, who are taught and supported by diverse staff.”
In her welcome remarks, Professor Ogunsola hailed the delegation and expressed UNILAG’s readiness for the partnership.
She stressed the need for African universities to collaborate with international institutions to address the continent’s unique challenges and promote sustainable development.
“We welcome the delegation from Loughborough University and appreciate their interest in collaborating with us. We are confident that this partnership will enhance our research and teaching capacities and contribute to the development of our nation.”
Roundtable
Thereafter, a high-level roundtable discussion between the institutions’ delegates was held inside the hallowed Senate Chambers of the University. The teams exchanged ideas on ways to leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to drive innovation and excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Professor Nick Jennings also had an opportunity to deliver a keynote address on Future Trends in Higher Education Delivery & AI Integration. His presentation provided insights into the future of higher education, focusing on AI technological integration and pedagogical innovations.
The roundtable discussion was a platform for experts and stakeholders drawn from the two varsities to share knowledge and further deliberate on potential areas of collaboration, including joint research projects, staff exchanges, and student mobility programs.
More pictures at the during the visit are below:
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Islamiat Akanni
