Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has announced a landmark partnership with UK-based Coventry University to establish a degree-awarding campus in Lagos.
Alausa, in a post on his X account during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to London, revealed that discussions were already advancing toward bringing fully accredited UK degree programmes closer to Nigerian students, a move he described as both strategic and deeply personal.
“I’m in London with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we are already making real progress, advancing a major partnership with Coventry University to bring UK degrees to Nigeria,” the minister said.
The Campus, to be situated in Alaro City, Lagos, is expected to offer Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes across critical disciplines including STEMM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine, Business, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET.
Admissions are projected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Alausa described the development as a turning point in Nigeria’s education landscape, noting that it addresses the long-standing challenge of outward student migration in search of quality education.
“For too long, families have had to send their children thousands of miles away in search of quality education. We are changing that,” he stated.
According to him, the partnership will significantly reduce the financial burden on families while maintaining international academic standards.
“With Coventry University Nigeria, our students will be able to earn fully accredited UK degrees, at significantly lower cost, without leaving the country,” he added.
The minister emphasized that beyond affordability and access, the project is central to the Federal Government’s broader human capital development agenda, adding that by localising global education opportunities, Nigeria aims to strengthen its workforce, drive innovation, and boost long-term economic productivity.
“As I’ve said, we want Nigerian parents to enjoy having their children at home, while still receiving a world-class UK education,” Alausa noted.
The planned campus is also expected to deepen Nigeria-UK educational ties, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s strategy of leveraging international partnerships to reform key sectors.
“Beyond access, this is about building Nigeria’s human capital, developing the skills, talent, and workforce needed to drive innovation, productivity, and long-term national growth. We are bringing global opportunity home where it belongs,” he said.
The partnership is one of the early outcomes of President Tinubu’s ongoing engagement in the UK.
