Professor Mark Ellul, Joint Vice Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, has expressed delight at signing an agreement that strengthens the institution's deepening relationship with Nigeria's creative and cultural industries.
"We're pleased to be able to join the rallying call for an institutional commitment that aligns our expertise in creative higher education with Nigeria's ambition to build lasting relationships that position its creative economy as a central pillar to its economic diversification and youth empowerment," Professor Ellul stated.
The University for the Creative Arts, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy of Nigeria, and the National Council for Arts and Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen educational collaboration in creative industries during a Nigerian delegation's visit to UCA's Surrey campuses.
The delegation, which included creative leaders from Nigeria and the UK such as representatives from the British Council, the UK Department for Business and Trade, Bank of Industry Nigeria, Nigerian Film Corporation, Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Nigeria, and officials from the University of Abuja, received a tour of UCA's industry grade facilities at its School of Creative and Cultural Industries in Farnham and School of Creative Business, Fashion and Enterprise in Epsom.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of Nigeria, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing the nation's creative industry education.
"This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, talent development, and institutional exchange, building on sustained engagement with key stakeholders, including the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Nigeria Governors Forum. The agreement underscores a forward looking vision to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, driving long term growth and global competitiveness across the creative sector," Minister Musawa noted.
Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, stated that the partnership is designed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria's creative education sector through global knowledge and curriculum advancement.
The visit formed part of the Nigerian President's week long state visit to the Royal family in the UK, with the signing ceremony representing the main event during the delegation's engagement with UCA.
Many Nigerian students are already studying at UCA across disciplines such as film, fashion, design, animation, and digital media, making a lasting impact across the university's three campuses.
UCA will utilise its expertise to help grow and sustain Nigeria's next generation of creative talent and cultural leaders through curriculum development and institutional capacity building in creative education.
