ABOUT US
The University of Nigeria, established over 60 years ago and nestled on a soft green hill, stands as one of the foremost institutions of higher learning in sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for its excellence in research and development, the University is founded on the core values of academic independence, integrity, and high standards, which continue to guide its strategic commitment to global engagements. Over the decades, the University has developed and institutionalized a dynamic framework for external relations, positioning itself as a vibrant hub for collaboration, innovation, diplomacy, and knowledge exchange.In today’s interconnected world, where global challenges demand shared solutions, the University of Nigeria plays a proactive role in forging partnerships that address critical and emerging issues while remaining deeply rooted in local relevance and regional aspirations.
At the forefront of this global vision is the Directorate of International Collaborations, an institutional framework established in 2016 under the Office of the Vice-Chancellor. The Directorate serves as the University’s central body for building, nurturing, and sustaining cross-border partnerships. It plays a catalytic role in enabling faculties, departments, researchers, students, and administrative units to access opportunities for international knowledge creation across cultures and geographies.Through sustained engagement, the Directorate advances the goals of sustainable development, promotes policy-relevant research, and builds capacity that is both globally impactful and locally transformative.
With a wide-reaching network and a strong thematic focus, the Directorate of International Collaborations addresses some of the most pressing global challenges through its strategic programmes and initiatives. These thematic priorities include:
- Climate change and environmental sustainability
- Global health and emergency preparedness
- Food security and sustainable agriculture
- Water security and WASH
- Forced migration, displacement, and refugee crises
- Inequality, poverty, and social justice
- Peacebuilding and democratic decline
- Educational innovation and reform
- Cybersecurity and the ethical use of technology
- Women and youth unemployment, and decent work, etc.
To respond to these challenges, the Directorate facilitates a broad spectrum of activities such as joint degree programmes, academic mobility schemes, collaborative research consortia, curriculum development, and knowledge exchange platforms that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact.The Directorate also fosters linkages with the private sector, civil society, and international development partners, helping to build innovation ecosystems that connect academia with real-world problem-solving.Notable partnerships have been established with institutions such as Lund University and Ideon Science Park in Sweden, UNICEF, DAAD, the British Council, UN-Habitat, and several bilateral development agencies.
Since its formal establishment under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, the Directorate has evolved into a strategic driver of internationalization within Nigeria’s higher education landscape. Through the vision of its successive Directors—including Professor Kenneth Oforkansi, Professor Chikelue Ofuebe, Professor Johnson Urama, Professor Kamarou Usman, and currently Dr. Kelechi E. Nnamani the acting Director —the Directorate has significantly scaled up its operations and influence. It now supports multi-stakeholder platforms, multinational research initiatives, and international alliances that support research and development, and enhance the global standing of the University of Nigeria.
Our approach to international collaboration is holistic, forward-looking, and inclusive. We believe the future of higher education lies in interdisciplinary partnerships, collaborative pedagogies, digital transformation, and innovation that directly responds to societal needs. By aligning with global standards while asserting African agency in global discourse, the University of Nigeria is not only participating in the international academic community, but it is also helping to shape its future.
OUR MISSION
To lead in the creation of transformative knowledge and the delivery of innovative educational services that foster academic excellence, global cooperation, and inclusive development through strong international partnerships and a firm commitment to addressing shared global challenges.
OUR VISION
The Directorate of International Collaborations aspires to become a leading global institution dedicated to identifying and advancing innovation in learning, research, and teaching through meaningful collaborative efforts.In pursuit of global best practices, the Directorate seeks to establish direct links with all faculties of the University, encouraging each to appoint an External Linkages/International Liaison Officer to coordinate international activities at the faculty level and report to the central office. At the same time, the Directorate remains committed to identifying reputable institutions with shared academic and research priorities and initiating steps toward strategic partnerships that enhance mutual growth and global relevance.
Transformative Partnerships for a Changing World
We understand that today’s global challenges, including health crises, climate change, technological disruptions, and social inequality, require collaborative intelligence and resilient knowledge ecosystems. The Directorate invites states, universities, donor agencies, multinational and transnational corporations, development partners, research councils, and think tanks to collaborate with us in building transformative partnerships that redefine the contribution of African universities to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.