By Emma Elebeke

ABUJA – Loughborough University, a leading institution based in the United Kingdom, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with Nigerian institutions, focusing on sustainable development, capacity building, and educational excellence.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Professor Sam Grogan, the university’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, emphasized Loughborough’s strategic ambition to establish deep-rooted collaborations in Nigeria that extend beyond short-term engagements.

“A key element of this initiative is our partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), especially in the areas of capacity building, oil and gas, renewable energy, and scholarship development,” said Prof. Grogan.

He added that the university’s collaboration with PTDF on scholarship programmes forms a vital part of its broader mission to strengthen skills and infrastructure in critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

“Our focus is not on fleeting partnerships. We want to be here for the long haul—to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term development goals,” he stated. “Our model goes beyond traditional academic exchanges. We aim to foster both structural and interpersonal collaboration with government and institutional stakeholders.”

While formal agreements are still being developed, Prof. Grogan disclosed that meetings with prospective partner universities were scheduled for later in the week as part of efforts to establish deeper ties.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Amanda Daley, a specialist in Behavioural Medicine at Loughborough, said the university’s engagement in Nigeria was strategic and long-term in nature.

“It’s no coincidence that we’re here,” she said. “We have a responsibility to share our knowledge and also to learn from African institutions. Nigeria, with its remarkable talent and experience, is central to our goal of achieving shared global development.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Florence Mutero, Global Engagement Officer at Loughborough, highlighted the university’s growing history of collaboration with Nigerian institutions.

“Last year, we partnered with the University of Lagos and other institutions. This return visit is to deepen those engagements and explore fresh opportunities,” she noted.

Loughborough’s ambition to build a strong presence in West Africa also includes active plans to expand into Ghana. These initiatives, officials say, are in line with the university’s broader mission of supporting sustainable development, innovation, and capacity building across the continent.