The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to strengthen transnational education in Nigeria through strategic partnerships with British institutions. This initiative aims to foster knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and faculty development, ultimately improving the quality of education in the country.
As part of this effort, TETFund has announced that savings from its suspended overseas scholarship programme will be redirected towards in-house training and capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian institutions. This reallocation is expected to enhance local educational capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign studies.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono, disclosed this while hosting a delegation from the British Council, led by its Director of Global Network, Charlie Walker. Echono emphasized that the collaboration with British institutions would expose Nigerian academics to global best practices, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate the country’s education system.
“We appreciate the British Council’s support in advancing transnational education. We have engaged with key stakeholders, including Sir Steve Smith and the National Universities Commission (NUC), and have developed a structured framework for implementation,” Echono stated.
He further explained that TETFund is committed to supporting Nigerian institutions in meeting the necessary requirements to host transnational education programmes in collaboration with British partners. “By leveraging the experience and expertise of our partners, particularly in emerging technologies and modern teaching methodologies, we can accelerate progress and improve educational standards in Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking on the significance of transnational education, Walker highlighted its role in bridging the knowledge gap, fostering global understanding, and promoting cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He noted that the longstanding relationship between the two countries has led to numerous bilateral achievements, particularly in the education sector.
Walker emphasized that the British Council has played a crucial role in connecting students, teachers, and academics from both nations, providing access to international education and facilitating research collaborations. He further expressed excitement about TETFund’s pilot programme, which will be implemented across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with the involvement of British partners.
“We are delighted that the transnational education framework has now moved to the implementation stage. The British Council is committed to supporting TETFund and other stakeholders to ensure the programme’s success,” Walker assured.
With this partnership, TETFund aims to enhance Nigeria’s higher education sector, providing students and faculty with greater access to global learning opportunities while strengthening the country’s academic institutions.
