University Of Birmingham, UNILAG Sign MOU On Transnational Education

The University of Birmingham and University of Lagos (UNILAG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on transnational education engagement that will see the two institutions collaborate in the area of student and staff exchange, development of curricula among others.

This forms part of measures to deepen the decade-long collaboration between the institutions.

The epoch-making event was held at the Senate Chamber of UNILAG and witnessed by the minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and executives of the two institutions.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the MOU signing were the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof Yusufu Ribadu and the representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund. among others.

The education minister, Dr Alausa stated that the federal government approved the Transnational Education Policy for Nigerian institutions because of the need to enhance global competitiveness of Nigerian institutions.

”Our goal is to create an ecosystem that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, empowering our graduates to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to national development.

”This collaboration has the potential to increase access to quality education and provide access to international, top-tier academic programmes and prestigious degrees, enhance curriculum and pedagogy, improve employability and skill acquisition, as well as foster exchange and global networking.

‎“Nigeria does not lack talents and we are sure of the quality of our teachers and students that they can hold their heads high anywhere in the world and so, we are not afraid to expose them to the world of competitiveness,” he stated.‎

‎The vice chancellor of University of Birmingham, Prof. Adam Tickell, represented by Prof. Nick Vaughan Williams, said the event was not an announcement of an outcome, rather a statement of intent, trust, and seriousness of purpose.

‎“It commits our two institutions – the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos – to work together in a structured, evidence-led way to explore how we might work to enable students to benefit from both UNILAG and University of Birmingham education right in Lagos.

‎“We are excited at the opportunity to learn from the University of Lagos, one of the leading institutions on the continent, and therefore a natural partner for University of Birmingham, a Russell Group member and top 100 global university. Crucially, it sets out a shared process – one that is rigorous, comprehensive, and time-bound – and I am here to signal our commitment to this process at the very highest levels.”

‎The vice chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola said the implementation of the transactional education framework would represent a new and fair pathway to a globally relevant curriculum.

‎”The collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on equitable global partnerships in higher education and responds to the increasing demand for internationally competitive university education.

‎She added that it would offer a refreshing, accessible structure for students seeking to advance knowledge across diverse national and global contexts.

‎The NUC boss, Prof Ribadu said the NUC has long been at the forefront of promoting Transnational Education in Nigeria, recognising its role in widening access to university education.

‎“In 2023, the Commission issued guidelines to regulate partnerships with international institutions. Today’s event celebrates a new alliance under the Twinning and Articulation Model; the third of the approved NUC guidelines. This partnership aligns with the Commission’s core mandate of ensuring the delivery of quality university education,’’ he said.

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