A high-level UK delegation has concluded a week-long skills and schools trade mission to Nigeria, marking a significant step forward in education and skills cooperation between the two countries.
Running from 19-23 April 2026 across Abuja and Lagos State, the mission brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers, and education institutions with Nigerian partners, schools, and the Honourable Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa.
The mission follows the high profile and well received state visit to the UK in March, which also included education engagements. Supported by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the mission forms part of its new International Education Strategy, under which Nigeria has been identified as one of five priority education markets, spearheaded by Professor Sir Steve Smith, who is looking forward to visiting the country again this year.
The mission focused on in-country delivery of education, the establishment of world-renowned UK schools in Nigeria, and the development of skills and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems aligned with industry demand.
In Abuja, the delegation met with Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, securing strong political backing for UK–Nigeria education partnerships and set the groundwork for ongoing institutional collaboration across both schools and skills.
In Lagos, delegates engaged further with potential partners and investors. In both cities the delegation was thrilled to visit local British curriculum schools and colleges to further enable them to experience first-hand the teaching and learning environment.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said:
“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers.
“This mission has demonstrated the strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration in education and skills.”
“By bringing together UK schools and skills providers with Nigerian partners and policymakers, we are laying the foundations for even more long-term partnerships that support Nigeria’s education priorities, strengthen skills aligned to industry needs, and create opportunities for sustainable, in-country delivery as well as positioning Nigeria as the regional hub for high quality education.”
DBT Head of International Education, Sarah Chidgey, said:
“This mission is a perfect example of the International Education Strategy being put into action, building on multiple two-way visits and the UK and Nigeria’s warm relationship. It has been heartening to see all the progress in UK Nigeria education collaboration since my first visit to Nigeria, as part of a wider delegation, in 2022.”
DBT’s mission concluded with a strong pipeline of follow-up activity, including targeted one-to-one meetings, MoU discussions, and agreed next steps between UK and Nigerian counterparts.
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