The University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for Transnational Education (TNE) collaboration.
The partnership is designed to deliver world-class education and training in Nigeria, combining the strengths and expertise of both universities.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the collaboration as a reflection of the growing importance of equitable global partnerships in higher education, responding to the rising demand for internationally competitive university programs.
“This collaboration builds on more than a decade of joint research and academic programs in global surgery,” she said. “It provides a structured, accessible pathway for students to expand their knowledge across national and global contexts, producing graduates who are both globally competent and locally attuned.”
Ogunsola also highlighted the success of the Global Surgery Unit, noting that its research has led to over a dozen studies, a 15 percent reduction in surgical site infections, and policy adoption by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the partnership, saying it aligns with the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and will promote innovation, research, and skills development.
“This partnership exemplifies the University of Birmingham’s strengths in academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation,” Alausa said. He added that the collaboration will improve access to tertiary education, ease placement pressures, and encourage the exchange of ideas and research internationally.
Alausa further noted that the Federal Government’s Transnational Education policy provides guidelines for cross-border education, aiming to attract foreign investment and support growth in Nigeria’s education sector. The initiative seeks to create an ecosystem that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to compete on a global scale while contributing to national development.
He emphasized that NESRI prioritizes infrastructure development, teacher training, and technology integration, all of which will be reinforced by partnerships like this one.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, welcomed the agreement, saying it would broaden access to the UK’s high-quality education and encourage innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence. “This partnership demonstrates how UK–Nigeria collaboration can create opportunities for young people while advancing critical sectors like AI,” he said.
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost of the University of Birmingham, expressed pride in the collaboration and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s tertiary education and talent development.
The University of Birmingham already maintains ongoing research collaborations with UNILAG, including the NIHR Global Surgery Unit (GSU) Nigeria Hub, which recently marked its 10th anniversary.
