‎NUC Reaffirms Support for Global Academic Partnerships as UNILAG Signs MoU

‎NUC Reaffirms Support for Global Academic Partnerships as UNILAG Signs MoU
‎‎Prof. Ribadu said the agreement formalises a new alliance that will enhance knowledge exchange
Commended the leadership of both universities for initiating the collaboration and expressed optimism about its successful implementation

‎National Universities Commission (NUC) has reaffirmed its commitment to regulating and supporting quality transnational education in Nigeria following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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‎Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony held on 29 January 2026 at the University of Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, described the partnership as a significant step toward expanding academic collaboration, joint research, and staff and student exchange programmes.

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‎Prof. Ribadu said the agreement formalises a new alliance that will enhance knowledge exchange and strengthen the global academic standing of both institutions.

‎He noted that the NUC has been at the forefront of promoting Transnational Education (TNE) in Nigeria as a strategy for widening access to university education while maintaining quality standards. According to him, the Commission issued regulatory guidelines in 2023 to govern partnerships between Nigerian universities and foreign institutions.

UNILAG, University of Birmingham Sign MoU to Explore Transnational Education Partnership

‎The UNILAG–University of Birmingham partnership, he explained, falls under the Twinning and Articulation Model, which is one of the three approved frameworks outlined in the NUC guidelines.

‎“This collaboration aligns with the core mandate of the Commission to ensure the delivery of quality university education in Nigeria,” Ribadu said.

‎He outlined three priority areas that will guide the NUC’s oversight of the partnership. These include ensuring that transnational education programmes meet the same academic standards required of Nigerian universities, promoting meaningful knowledge exchange and innovation, and providing clear and consistent regulatory guidance to participating institutions.

‎Prof. Ribadu commended the leadership of both universities for initiating the collaboration and expressed optimism about its successful implementation.

‎He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support similar international partnerships that contribute to improving access, quality, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s university system.