By Gideon Maxwell
May 20, 2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon. Bridget Phillipson, on Monday, held a strategic bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between both countries in foundational education and skills development.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 2025 Education World Forum in London, underscored Nigeria’s shift from dependency on grants to establishing long-term partnerships focused on improving quality and equity in education delivery.
According to a press statement released by Mojoyin Adebajo, Special Assistant on Digital Communications and E-learning to the Honourable Minister, discussions focused heavily on early childhood development and primary education, areas where both governments are currently advancing policy reform.
Dr. Alausa expressed Nigeria’s strong interest in aligning with the UK’s expanding initiatives in early learning, particularly as the UK rolls out new strategies to enhance capacity in this area.
Another key highlight was the conversation around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
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With Nigeria set to launch a national TVET programme on May 30, both ministers explored collaborative opportunities to build skills for the future and prepare young people for the demands of a modern workforce.
Dr. Alausa also emphasised the Tinubu administration’s goal of building education systems that retain talent domestically, addressing the root causes of school and work-related migration, commonly known in Nigeria as the “japa syndrome.”
“The President has made it clear that the education sector must serve as a pillar for national development,” Dr. Alausa stated, adding, “We are seeking partnerships that help us deliver high-quality learning and training right here in Nigeria.”
As part of the outcomes of the meeting, Dr. Alausa is expected to meet with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham later this week to explore plans for establishing a campus in Lagos.
The move would mark a significant milestone, bringing one of the UK’s leading Russell Group institutions closer to Nigerian students and professionals.
Both sides also acknowledged the ongoing role of development agencies such as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and agreed on the need for stronger multilateral engagement.
Looking ahead, a follow-up meeting is planned in Nigeria in the coming months, with a UK Government delegation expected to visit for further dialogue and exchange of best practices in education reform.
Dr. Alausa’s engagement at the Education World Forum further demonstrates Nigeria’s renewed global positioning under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, reflecting a proactive drive to reposition education as a cornerstone of national growth and international cooperation.
