Photo: Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa
The Federal Government has secured a partnership with Coventry University under a Transnational Education (TNE) arrangement to establish a campus in Alaro City, Lagos State, aimed at delivering affordable, globally recognised degrees to Nigerian students.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education, following engagements during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is designed to expand access to international-standard education, strengthen skills development and enhance graduate employability.
According to the minister, the proposed campus will offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), Business, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He noted that all degrees awarded will be equivalent to those obtained in the United Kingdom, with admissions expected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Alausa, who is accompanying the President on the two-day visit, said he had engaged with university leadership, investors and development partners to advance the project.
The ministry stated that the partnership would enable Nigerian students to access world-class education within the country at significantly reduced costs, easing the financial burden associated with studying abroad. It added that the programme is expected to boost skills acquisition in high-demand fields, particularly STEM, business and technical education.
“We want Nigerian parents to enjoy their children being at home while still receiving a world-class UK education,” the minister said.
The ministry further noted that the partnership, supported by the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for knowledge, skills and innovation.
The agreement forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to expand its global education footprint. The UK government is targeting annual education exports of £40 billion by 2030, shifting from its earlier focus on attracting international students to encouraging universities to establish overseas campuses and partnerships.
President Tinubu’s ongoing visit has also yielded other investment deals across key sectors. Among them is a $496 million dairy agreement between the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and UK-based Asset Green Ltd to boost local milk production, enhance food security and create about 7,500 jobs nationwide. The visit has equally produced a £746 million agreement to modernise Nigeria’s seaports and strengthen the country’s position as a regional trade hub.
