A high-level delegation of leading UK private schools, skills providers, and education institutions has concluded a week-long trade mission to Nigeria, signalling strong interest in expanding operations and establishing UK-standard schools and training programmes in the country.
The mission, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), took place from April 19 to 23, 2026, across Abuja and Lagos.
It brought together representatives from prestigious institutions such as Harrow International School, The King’s School Canterbury, Whitgift School, and Pearson, along with other schools and skills providers.
The focus was on deepening bilateral ties in school development, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and delivering quality education directly within Nigeria.
During meetings in Abuja, the delegation engaged with Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, who emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to attracting international investment in the education sector.
He highlighted the growing demand for world-class education among Nigeria’s population of over 220 million and encouraged British institutions to set up campuses in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Kaduna.
Alausa noted that recent economic reforms, including foreign exchange adjustments, have made overseas study more expensive for many families, strengthening the case for high-quality international schooling options at home.
He assured the visitors of government support through policy reforms, streamlined processes, and an enabling environment for investors, while reaffirming ongoing efforts to improve security and stability.
Sarah Chidgey, Head of International Education at the DBT, described the mission as a practical implementation of the UK’s International Education Strategy, with Nigeria remaining a key priority partner.
She praised Nigeria’s education reforms and pointed to growing interest from UK institutions in establishing a presence in the Nigerian market. Chidgey noted that collaboration has steadily increased since her previous visit in 2022.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter added that education represents one of the most exciting frontiers in UK-Nigeria relations.
“This mission has demonstrated the strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration in education and skills,” he said, stressing the potential for long-term partnerships that align with Nigeria’s priorities.
In Lagos, delegates visited British curriculum schools and held discussions with potential investors and partners.
The mission, which builds on education-focused talks during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March, ended with a pipeline of follow-up activities, including potential memoranda of understanding and targeted next steps.
The initiative is expected to enhance access to quality schooling in Nigeria, strengthen skills development aligned with industry needs, expand TVET opportunities, and help reduce the number of students seeking expensive education abroad. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to enrol more children in school and build a future-ready workforce.
This development comes as bilateral UK-Nigeria trade has reached a record £8.1 billion, with the education and skills sector forming part of wider efforts under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
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