The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, says the launch of joint postgraduate programmes by the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will expand access to quality international education without travelling abroad.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Mr Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.
Alausa said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s efforts to improve education quality and equip Nigerian students with skills needed in the changing job market.
He said the programmes, an MSc in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Technologies and an MA in Digital Media and Communications, would begin in September 2027.
He added that plans were underway to expand the partnership to undergraduate degree programmes in fields relevant to the job market.
Speaking at the launch, Alausa described the partnership as a major development for Nigeria’s education sector, saying it would allow more students to access international-standard education without travelling abroad.
“Today is a great day for Nigeria. We now have a country where we are daring to do big things.
“Today, we have transnational education in action, with one of the world’s leading universities partnering with one of Nigeria’s best universities to bring international-standard education to our country.
“This is a first for Nigeria and the beginning of many more to come,” he said.
The minister said the partnership aligned with the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), particularly its education quality assurance pillar, and the Federal Government’s Transnational Education Policy.
According to him, the initiative will improve access to internationally developed programmes while strengthening the capacity of Nigerian universities to deliver quality education.
Alausa said the courses were selected to address growing demand for skills in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital communication.
He expressed confidence that the programmes would produce graduates capable of creating businesses, generating employment and contributing to national development.
He explained that the MSc in AI and Data Technologies would cover machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, data management and AI ethics.
He said the MA in Digital Media and Communications would equip students with skills in digital cultures, research, content creation, broadcasting and modern media practices, including journalism and other communication-related careers.
The Provost of the University of Birmingham, Prof. Nick Vaughan-Williams, said the institution was proud to partner with UNILAG to support Nigeria’s higher education and talent development.
He said the two universities had an important role in preparing graduates for changing global economies through skills development, entrepreneurship and increased employment opportunities.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the partnership as a major step towards strengthening international collaboration in Nigerian higher education.
Ogunsola said the initiative would promote practical learning, update academic programmes, improve the university’s global visibility and support research in emerging fields such as AI and digital communications.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said the programmes demonstrated the strength of educational cooperation between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
Baxter said developing expertise in artificial intelligence, data science and digital communications would encourage innovation, create opportunities and support sustainable economic growth.
The Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, also welcomed the partnership, describing transnational education as an important platform for knowledge exchange and skills development.
She said the collaboration would make quality UK education more accessible to Nigerian students while developing the skills needed to support national growth.
