The University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will launch two joint postgraduate programmes in artificial intelligence and digital media in September 2027, in a move aimed at expanding access to international standard education in Nigeria.
The programmes, an MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies and an MA in Digital Media and Communications, are being developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) under the Federal Government’s Transnational Education Policy.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening the quality of Nigerian higher education, improving global competitiveness and equipping graduates with skills required in the evolving digital economy.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
Alausa said the collaboration would enable more Nigerian students to access internationally developed postgraduate programmes without travelling abroad, while strengthening the capacity of local universities.
“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 programmes were selected to address emerging skills demands in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital communication.
The minister added that the partnership was expected to produce graduates capable of creating businesses, generating employment and contributing to national development.
The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies will cover machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, data management and AI ethics.
The MA in Digital Media and Communications will focus on digital cultures, research methods, content creation, broadcasting and contemporary media practices, preparing graduates for careers in journalism and the broader communications industry.
Alausa also disclosed that plans were underway to expand the collaboration to undergraduate degree programmes in disciplines relevant to labourbmarket demands.
Professor Nick Vaughan-Williams, Provost of the University of Birmingham, said the institution was proud to partner with UNILAG to support Nigeria’s higher education and talent development needs.
He said universities had a critical role in preparing graduates for rapidly changing global economies through skills development, entrepreneurship and expanded employment opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, described the partnership as a major step towards internationalising Nigerian higher education through shared responsibility, mutual respect and knowledge creation.
She said the initiative would strengthen experiential learning, modernise curricula, improve global visibility and support research in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence and digital communications.
Similarly, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said the programmes reflected the strength of UK-Nigeria educational cooperation and a shared commitment to preparing young people for a changing economy.
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 British education more accessible to Nigerian students while helping develop the skilled workforce needed to support national growth.
The launch 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 NUC through a Transnational Education Unit based in Lagos.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding international education partnerships, strengthening quality assurance and providing 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 a tertiary education system capable of driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable national development.
