His Excellency, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, suggested the idea during a visit to the University of Bedfordshire yesterday (23 October 2014), where he delivered a lecture entitled ‘Higher Education and Current Issues in Skills Development in Nigeria: What Role for UK Universities?’

His speech outlined the problems surrounding higher education in Nigeria, before discussing how UK universities could help overcome these challenges.

Dr Tafida, a former Nigerian Government Minister of Health, proposes financial support from UK institutions in the form of scholarships for incoming Nigerian students, exchanges of academics and collaborations from research to publications. He also mentioned the possibility of British universities opening campuses overseas in the West African nation.

Dr Tafida, who undertook postgraduate studies at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary in the 1970s, said that Bedfordshire is his “university of choice”.

“Those who created this University are doing everything to make it grow,” he said. “This is my University of choice. I hope you will side with a Nigerian university of your choice during my tenure as High Commissioner. I will do everything possible to make this happen.”

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell, welcoming Dr Tafida to the University, said:

“As a university, we are proud of our growing relationship and connections with Nigeria.

“We are the third-largest UK University for postgraduate Nigerian students and 40 are currently sponsored by the President’s Office, through the High Commission.”

Thanking Dr Tafida for visiting the University, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ashraf Jawaid spoke about extending the University’s worldwide partnerships, which already include links with institutions in Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Singapore and beyond.

Professor Jawaid also mentioned the possibility of negotiations with the Nigerian High Commission.

“We have partnerships all over the world and I look forward to setting up a similar partnership in Nigeria,” he said. “That is something we would be delighted to discuss with you. You will find a willing partner here at the University of Bedfordshire.”

Bedfordshire currently has an intake of around 400 Nigerian students, which the University hopes to increase.