Janet Salihu
Nigeria’s drive to develop homegrown expertise in artificial intelligence and digital communication is set to receive a boost as the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, prepare to introduce two joint postgraduate programmes in emerging technology fields.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, following the launch of the programmes, which are scheduled to commence in September 2027.
The initiative will offer Nigerian students opportunities to acquire international-standard postgraduate education in artificial intelligence, data technologies and digital media without having to travel abroad.
The programmes comprise a Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies and a Master of Arts (MA) in Digital Media and Communications.
Alausa described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s education sector, noting that it would strengthen local universities, improve educational standards and prepare graduates for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), particularly its focus on education quality assurance and the expansion of access to internationally developed academic programmes.
“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,” the minister said.
He explained that the collaboration also aligns with the Federal Government’s Transnational Education Policy, which seeks to expand access to quality education, strengthen institutional capacity and provide Nigerian students with internationally competitive qualifications at home.
According to him, the programmes were selected to address growing demand for expertise in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital communication.
The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies will cover machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, data management and artificial intelligence ethics.
The MA in Digital Media and Communications will focus on digital cultures, research methods, content creation, broadcasting and contemporary media practices, offering opportunities for careers in journalism and the wider communications industry.
Alausa expressed optimism that the programmes would equip graduates with the skills to establish businesses, generate employment and contribute to national development.
He added that plans were underway to extend the partnership to undergraduate degree programmes in disciplines relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.
The Provost of the University of Birmingham, Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, said the institution was pleased to collaborate with UNILAG to support Nigeria’s higher education and talent-development needs.
He stressed the importance of universities in equipping graduates with the skills required to thrive in rapidly changing global economies, particularly through entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, described the partnership as a major step towards internationalising Nigerian higher education through mutual respect, shared responsibility and the co-creation of knowledge.
She said the collaboration would promote experiential learning, modernise curricula, improve the university’s global visibility and strengthen research in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence and digital communications.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said the joint programmes demonstrated the strength of educational cooperation between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
He noted that developing expertise in artificial intelligence, data science and digital communications would encourage innovation, expand opportunities for young people and support sustainable economic growth.
The Country Director of the British Council Nigeria, Donna McGowan, also welcomed the initiative, describing transnational education as an important platform for knowledge exchange and skills development.
She said the partnership would make high-quality UK education more accessible to Nigerian students while helping to develop the talent required to drive national growth and prosperity.
The partnership follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Birmingham and UNILAG on January 29, 2026.
The programmes were developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission through a Transnational Education Unit based in Lagos.
The Federal Government said the initiative reinforces its efforts to build a tertiary education system that responds to labour-market demands, strengthens institutional quality and positions Nigerian universities for greater international recognition.
Alausa reaffirmed the administration’s determination to expand strategic international education partnerships, strengthen quality assurance and deliver globally competitive learning opportunities within Nigeria.
He said the broader objective was to equip Nigerian students with relevant skills, nurture entrepreneurs and job creators, and build an education system capable of driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable national development.
