Frank Okon

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 both countries.

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The mission, held from April 19 to 23, 2026, across Abuja and Lagos State, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers, and education institutions with Nigerian partners, including the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.

It follows a high-profile state visit to the UK in March, which also featured key education engagements. Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the initiative forms part of the UK’s International Education Strategy, under which Nigeria has been identified as one of five priority markets.

The mission focused on expanding in-country delivery of education, establishing UK-affiliated schools in Nigeria, and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to better align with industry needs.

In Abuja, the delegation met with Minister Alausa, securing political backing for deeper UK–Nigeria collaboration and laying the groundwork for institutional partnerships in both academic and skills development.

In Lagos, delegates held further engagements with potential partners and investors. They also visited British curriculum schools and colleges in both cities to observe teaching and learning environments firsthand.

Speaking on the outcome, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the mission highlighted strong mutual interest in expanding education ties.

“The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and education presents one of the most promising areas for growth,” he said, noting that the engagement would support long-term partnerships and position Nigeria as a regional hub for quality education.

Also speaking, DBT Head of International Education, Sarah Chidgey, described the mission as a practical demonstration of the UK’s education strategy in action.

She said it builds on years of collaboration and reflects steady progress since earlier engagements between both countries.

The mission ended with a pipeline of follow-up activities, including one-on-one meetings, memorandum of understanding (MoU) discussions, and agreed next steps between UK and Nigerian stakeholders.

Organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade with support from Mark Brooks, the delegation included representatives from institutions such as Bedford School, Dragon International School Oxford, Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Stephen Perse Foundation, Whitgift School, Upskill Universe, and Pearson, among others.