Leading education institutions from the United Kingdom are exploring expansion opportunities in Nigeria following the conclusion of a week-long education and skills trade mission aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in learning and technical training.
The mission, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, was held from April 19 to April 23 across Abuja and Lagos, bringing together top United Kingdom private schools, skills providers and education institutions with Nigerian stakeholders.
During the visit, the delegation met with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to discuss strengthening institutional collaboration and expanding access to quality education through partnerships.
Discussions focused on establishing United Kingdom-standard schools within Nigeria, increasing in-country delivery of international education programmes, and improving Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems aligned with industry needs.
The engagement followed recent high-level education discussions held during Nigeria’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
Speaking on the outcome of the mission, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the visit demonstrated strong mutual interest in deepening collaboration in education and skills development.
“The United Kingdom and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education remain one of its most promising areas,” Baxter said.
He noted that bringing together United Kingdom schools and Nigerian policymakers had laid the groundwork for long-term partnerships aimed at strengthening workforce skills and supporting Nigeria’s education priorities.
In Lagos, delegates held meetings with investors and education partners, and also visited schools operating British curricula to assess teaching and learning standards.
Head of International Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade, Sarah Chidgey, described the mission as a practical demonstration of the United Kingdom’s International Education Strategy.
According to her, Nigeria has been identified as one of five priority markets under the strategy, which seeks to expand global education partnerships and position partner countries as regional hubs for quality education.
The delegation included representatives from institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, and Pearson.
