A high-level United Kingdom delegation has wrapped up a week-long trade mission on education and skills in Nigeria, signaling renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation between both countries.
The mission, held from April 19 to 23, 2026, across Abuja and Lagos, brought together leading UK private schools, skills providers, and education institutions to engage with Nigerian partners, including the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
The visit follows a recent state engagement in the UK in March, which featured education-focused discussions. Backed by the UK Department for Business and Trade, the initiative aligns with the UK’s International Education Strategy, under which Nigeria has been designated as one of five priority markets. The programme is being led by Steve Smith, who is expected to return to Nigeria later this year.
Discussions during the mission centred on expanding in-country education delivery, establishing UK-affiliated schools in Nigeria, and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training systems to meet industry needs.
In Abuja, the delegation secured political support for deeper UK–Nigeria education collaboration during talks with the education minister, laying the foundation for sustained institutional partnerships. In Lagos, further engagements were held with prospective partners and investors, while delegates also toured British curriculum schools and colleges in both cities.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, described education as a key pillar of the longstanding UK–Nigeria relationship, noting that the mission reflects strong mutual interest in expanding cooperation. He added that the initiative would help foster long-term partnerships, support Nigeria’s education priorities, and position the country as a regional hub for quality education.
Also speaking, Sarah Chidgey, said the mission demonstrates the practical implementation of the UK’s education strategy and highlighted the progress made in bilateral collaboration since 2022.
The mission concluded with agreements on follow-up engagements, including one-on-one meetings, memorandum of understanding discussions, and outlined next steps between stakeholders from both countries.