By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The University of Lagos and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom are set to commence two joint postgraduate programmes in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies, and Digital Media and Communications in September 2027, in a move to expand access to internationally recognised education and strengthen Nigeria’s digital skills base.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who announced the development, described the partnership as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality and global competitiveness of Nigerian tertiary education.
He said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Nigerian Education Sector Renewal Initiative and the Federal Government’s Transnational Education Policy, which seeks to bring international-standard academic programmes closer to Nigerian students.
The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Data Technologies will cover areas such as machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, large language models, data management and AI ethics, while the MA in Digital Media and Communications will focus on digital cultures, content creation, broadcasting, research methods and contemporary media practices.
The programmes are designed to equip graduates with skills for emerging opportunities in technology, innovation, journalism and the wider digital economy, with plans underway to extend the collaboration to undergraduate degrees in relevant disciplines.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, said the partnership would strengthen international academic collaboration, modernise curricula, promote experiential learning and expand research in emerging fields.
The Federal Government said the initiative, developed with the National Universities Commission and the two universities, would help strengthen local institutional capacity, nurture entrepreneurs and job creators, and position Nigerian universities for greater international recognition without requiring students to travel abroad to access the programmes.
