The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting Transnational Education (TNE) as a means of boosting knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and faculty development, while also reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign education.
Professor Ribadu made this known while receiving a delegation from the British Council in his office. The delegation included the Director of the Global Network and representatives from the British Council Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit.
It will be recalled that during the Biennial Going Global Conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland, from November 20 to 23, 2023, Nigeria formally launched the NUC Guidelines on Transnational Education. The guidelines were unveiled by the then Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, alongside the UK Secretary of State for Education, Ms Gillian Keegan. At the event, the Minister emphasized the critical role of TNE in expanding access to higher education and addressing the disparity between the demand for and supply of quality tertiary education.
Nigeria, he noted, has one of the highest numbers of education-seeking migrants globally, underscoring the need for a structured and regulated TNE framework. The newly launched guidelines provide a formal structure for the presence, regulation, and delivery of cross-border education, moving beyond traditional individual partnerships between Nigerian and UK universities.
Professor Ribadu expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between the NUC and the British Council, particularly in advancing TNE. He confirmed that the guidelines were already operational and assured the Council of their effective implementation across various educational models.
He also noted that several UK universities have shown interest in participating in Nigeria’s TNE framework, emphasizing that beyond access, the quality of education remains a top priority. Ribadu appealed to the British Council for support in building the capacity of NUC staff and other stakeholders involved in TNE delivery. He added that the Commission is working diligently to ensure stability and a crisis-free environment within Nigeria’s university system.
Reiterating his openness to collaboration, Ribadu welcomed any ideas or proposals that would contribute to the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s education sector.
The leader of the British Council delegation congratulated Professor Ribadu on his appointment and expressed their readiness to continue partnering with the NUC in strengthening education ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He appreciated the efforts of Mr. Chris Mayaiki, who served as Acting Executive Secretary and helped elevate the collaboration during his tenure.
He highlighted the success of the Going Global Conference, noting that it facilitated meaningful engagement with ministers, government officials, vice-chancellors, and academics to advance global university education. According to him, the British Council views TNE as a crucial avenue for expanding access to quality tertiary education in Nigeria.
He further stated that many UK universities are eager to explore opportunities under the new TNE guidelines and expressed interest in identifying key focus areas where they could offer support and add value to Nigeria’s educational development.
