A delegation of leading United Kingdom education institutions and skills providers has concluded a week long trade mission to Nigeria, with discussions centred on establishing UK affiliated schools, expanding vocational training, and deepening bilateral cooperation in education.

The mission, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade, ran from 19 to 23 April 2026 across Abuja and Lagos, bringing together prominent UK private schools and skills providers with Nigerian partners and policymakers under the UK's International Education Strategy, which identifies Nigeria as one of five global priority markets.

In Abuja, the delegation held talks with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, focusing on long term institutional collaboration and expanding in country delivery of quality education. In Lagos, further engagements were held with potential investors and partners, alongside visits to British curriculum schools to observe teaching standards firsthand.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter described the outcome as a reflection of the strong appetite on both sides to advance cooperation.

"The UK and Nigeria share a deep and longstanding relationship, and opportunities in education are one of its most exciting frontiers. This mission has demonstrated the strong appetite on both sides to deepen collaboration in education and skills. By bringing together UK schools and skills providers with Nigerian partners and policymakers, we are laying the foundations for long term partnerships that support Nigeria's education priorities and strengthen skills aligned to industry needs," Baxter stated.

Head of International Education at the UK Department for Business and Trade, Sarah Chidgey, described the mission as a practical demonstration of the UK's education strategy in action, noting steady growth in collaboration between both countries since her previous visit to Nigeria in 2022.

"This mission is a perfect example of the International Education Strategy being implemented, building on multiple two way visits and the strong relationship between the UK and Nigeria," she noted.

Participating institutions included Bedford School, Dragon International School Oxford, Harrow International School, The King's School Canterbury, Stephen Perse Foundation, Whitgift School, Upskill Universe, and Pearson.

The mission concluded with a pipeline of follow up activities, including memoranda of understanding, targeted one on one meetings, and agreed next steps between UK and Nigerian stakeholders. The engagement follows high level education discussions held during Nigeria's state visit to the UK in March 2026.