- Dr. Alausa Heads Delegation to UNILAG to Strengthen Education System
- Dr. Alausa described the partnership with UoB as “a major step towards globalising Nigerian higher education
- Wales expressed enthusiasm about deepening the relationship with UNILAG
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Tunji Alausa, CON, led a high-powered delegation to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, to strengthen partnerships aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education system through research, internationalisation, academic excellence, and capacity building.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Dr. Alausa, an alumnus of UNILAG expressed pride in returning to his alma mater with a mission aligned to the Federal Government’s agenda of enhancing educational quality nationwide.
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He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully briefed on developments and supports initiatives that seek to position Nigeria as a hub for academic innovation in Africa.
The discussions covered key areas including improving research and innovation infrastructure, enhancing faculty and staff training, expanding STEMM education, growing student exchange and dual degree programmes, and supporting entrepreneurship and employability efforts.
This visit builds on progress made in May 2025, when Dr. Alausa met with Professor Stephen Jarvis, Provost of the University of Birmingham (UoB), in the United Kingdom.
After considering various partnership models, such as branch campuses, franchise arrangements, and virtual institutions, UoB selected UNILAG as its preferred Nigerian partner, focusing on articulation and training partnerships or integration within UNILAG’s existing academic framework.
Dr. Alausa described the partnership as “a major step towards globalising Nigerian higher education while ensuring our youth have access to world-class education at home.” He stressed that effective partnerships must include clear structures, measurable outcomes, and accountability to deliver real benefits to Nigerian students and institutions.
UNILAG’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Lesi, highlighted the university’s achievements in internationalisation and digital innovation, noting its emergence as a leading African institution with expanding global engagement.
Representatives from the University of Birmingham, Mrs. Cathy Gilbert and Mr. Charles Luke Wales, expressed enthusiasm about deepening the relationship with UNILAG and contributing to Nigeria’s educational growth, referencing successful collaborations in other parts of the world including Dubai.
The meeting concluded with commitments to fast-track implementation. TETFund and the National Universities Commission pledged institutional support to ensure sustainability.
A dedicated task force, comprising representatives from TETFund, NUC, the Federal Ministry of Education, the British Council, the UK Department for Business and Trade, UoB, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, and private universities, will oversee the process.
This landmark collaboration makes Nigeria the first African country to implement a transnational education model with a UK Russell Group university, marking a bold step in advancing tertiary education through global partnerships and innovative policy.
