A delegation from the British Council, comprising the Director, Global Network and British Council, Nigeria paid a courtesy call on the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, in his office. The leader of the delegation congratulated the Executive Secretary on his recent appointment and wished him well on his new assignment, expressing the British Council’s desire to continue collaboration with the NUC in the area of education which, he described, as important to deepen ties between both countries for the benefit of the future generation.
He also extended their appreciation to Mr. Chris Mayaiki, whom, he said, was very supportive during his time as Acting Executive Secretary which also helped to move the relationship to greater heights. He informed the Executive Secretary of the Council’s interest in building stronger ties between Nigeria and British Universities.
He also noted that the recent collaboration on the Going Global Conference was a huge success as the British Council valued the incredible leverage it brought to engagement with some Ministers, Senior government officials, Vice-Chancellors as well as senior academics to forge a common front in the promotion of university education across the globe. He said the British Council sees Transnational Education (TNE) in Nigeria as a critical way of extending education to young people looking for quality tertiary education as the guidelines put together by Nigeria is advanced and comprehensive.
He stated that British universities were among those interested in exploring the opportunity to extend their reach in Nigeria, remarking that they wished to know the focal areas so that UK universities could support the TNE initiative.
Responding, Professor Ribadu expressed his delight at the active collaboration existing between the NUC and the British Council, especially in the aspect of TNE.
He explained that the TNE guidelines were operational and assured the British Council that the guidelines would be implemented appropriately for all the models.
The Executive Secretary said he was aware that UK universities were applying to participate in the TNE, adding that he was not only interested in access but in the quality of education delivery. He tasked the British Council to assist on capacity building for staff and participants of TNE, stating that NUC is working very hard to maintain stability in the Nigerian University System (NUS) by ensuring a crisis- free system.
He told the delegation that his doors are open for any suggestions that will move the educational sector to an enviable height.