In a landmark gathering that underscored a shared vision for academic excellence and innovation, representatives from four leading Nigerian private universities—Arthur Jarvis University, Amadeus University, Chrisland University, and Topfaith University—convened at the Ibom Icon Hotel in Uyo for a full-day workshop. The event, organized by Bradford University, set the stage for forging strategic partnerships and exploring collaborative initiatives that promise to reshape Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
The day began punctually at 10:00 am with a vibrant registration and warm welcome. Under the adept coordination of Prof. Uduak Archibong, the workshop swiftly moved into its agenda, marked by a series of presentations and interactive sessions.
A defining moment came at 11:00 am when Prof. Akaneren Essien took the stage to deliver his keynote address titled “An Overview of Nigerian Private Universities.” His presentation provided a comprehensive look into the current state of private tertiary education in Nigeria—tracing the evolution of university licensing, discussing the dynamic growth of these institutions, identifying challenges, and casting an optimistic eye on future developments. His insights resonated with the audience, setting an informed tone for subsequent discussions.
Following the national perspective, the workshop welcomed institutional presentations from each university. The day reached an international dimension with compelling presentations by the Vice Chancellor of Bradford, Prof. Shirley Congdon, and her team. Their address outlined the University of Bradford’s global education strategy, emphasizing opportunities in collaborative research, transnational education, and academic exchanges. The session underscored mutual interests, paving the way for a range of potential joint initiatives.
Professor Vishanth Weekkorady and Dr. Sam McLean, both of University of Bradford, spoke about the terms of reference of the University of Bradford strategic partnership while Dr. Sheillah Chimungeni, also of University of Bradford, gave a brief about the academic exchange and staff development programmes the partnership would offer. The University of Bradford, in her presentation, also stated their expectations for the partnership.
Key takeaways from the workshop were both expansive and ambitious:
Curriculum and Foundation Courses: Establishing partnerships to design foundational courses that meet international standards.
Throughout the day, structured networking sessions, a refreshing tea break, and a well-timed lunch provided ample opportunities for one-on-one interactions, further solidifying the groundwork for long-term collaboration.
By the end of the session, the message was clear: this event was not merely a meeting but a strategic launchpad for a robust alliance between Nigerian private universities and the University of Bradford. With commitments to collaborative curriculum development, research, staff training, and digital innovation, all participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision for future success.
As one of the organizing partners, Bradford University, along with Arthur Jarvis University, Chrisland University, Amadeus University, and Topfaith University, has set a promising precedent. This initiative is expected to drive transformative changes in the region’s academic sphere, reflecting the evolving dynamics of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
The departure of representatives of all four private universities marked the end of a day that was as productive as it was inspirational.
