UWE Bristol secures British Council grant to strengthen educational ties with three leading Nigerian universities

14 January 2025

An aerial shot of the University of Lagos in Nigeria
The University of Lagos is one of the higher education institutions UWE Bristol will be working with through the British Council grant

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has secured a British Council Transnational Education (TNE) grant which will see the University work collaboratively with three of Nigeria’s foremost universities on joint research and establish sustainable frameworks for transnational education.

The innovative project, Bridging Borders, will bring together UWE Bristol with the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and Covenant University and will aim to meet the growing demand in Africa for international education opportunities.

UWE Bristol is one of only 14 institutions globally to secure the British Council Going Global Partnership Grant which will help to enhance access to high-quality education internationally.

The project will identify challenges, opportunities, and share best practice for curriculum innovation through staff training workshops, while strengthening the quality and relevance of entrepreneurship education. The partnership will enhance the ability of Nigerian partners to equip students with skills for entrepreneurship at a time when many Nigerian graduates lack access to decent jobs.

Key areas of focus include capacity building and mentorship, aligning the curriculum to meet market needs and increase employability skills, and fostering mutual cultural understanding to support student start-up creation.

Jo Midgley, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Registrar at UWE Bristol said: “The Bridging Borders project aligns with our new Africa strategy, a core part of our plans for growth. It is a testament to our leadership in transnational education and ongoing commitment to tackling societal challenges through mutually beneficial global collaboration. The project will pave the way for innovative learning models and strengthen our ties with the Nigerian higher education sector.”

A man smiling looking down the lens of the camera against a wood panel background
Paschal Anosike, Associate Professor in the College of Business and Law at UWE Bristol, is leading the project

Paschal Anosike, Associate Professor in the College of Business and Law at UWE Bristol and lead investigator on the project, said: "This grant shows that reputable funders value one of the central missions of our Africa strategy. It represents a unique opportunity to work with leading African universities to transform local education systems through joint research and knowledge exchange, bridge educational gaps, and build lasting partnerships. Through this project, our aim is to empower educators and students alike while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and global education equity.”

The British Council Going Global Partnerships supports universities, colleges and wider education stakeholders around the world to work together towards building stronger, equitable, more inclusive and internationally connected higher education through international partnerships.

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