The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a Nigerian campus of Coventry University as part of efforts to expand access to quality higher education and reduce the need for students to study abroad.
The development was disclosed by Nigeria’s Minister of Education during a visit to the United Kingdom alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where discussions are ongoing to advance the proposed partnership.
According to the Minister, the initiative is aimed at enabling Nigerian students to obtain fully accredited United Kingdom degrees at a significantly lower cost without leaving the country. He noted that the move would ease the financial burden on families while allowing students to remain closer to home.
The proposed Coventry University Nigeria campus is expected to be located in Alaro City and will offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), Business, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Admissions into the institution are projected to commence between the third and fourth quarters of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
The Minister emphasised that the initiative goes beyond improving access to education, adding that it is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s human capital by equipping young people with globally competitive skills needed for innovation and national development.
He described the partnership as a step toward “bringing global opportunities home,” while reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of higher education in the country.
Reacting to the announcement, education stakeholder Muyiwa Igbalajobi commended the initiative but urged the government to address longstanding concerns regarding the recognition of Nigeria as an English-speaking country by United Kingdom institutions.
He noted that many Nigerian applicants are still required to provide proof of English proficiency, a situation he described as frustrating, and called for engagement with relevant authorities in the UK to resolve the issue.
The proposed collaboration is expected to further deepen educational ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while creating new opportunities for students within the country.
