By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has explored opportunities for Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Pennsylvania, United States, to strengthen practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Nigerian universities.
Alausa led a Nigerian delegation to the university, where he held discussions with its President, Dr Christopher M. Reber, and other senior officials on possible collaboration in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and health sciences.
The visit, ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA 81, was part of efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education to deepen international partnerships and expose Nigerian higher education to innovative approaches to teaching, research and skills development.
During the visit, the minister toured Harrisburg University’s hands-on STEM laboratories and applied learning facilities, where students demonstrated practical applications of their training in advanced manufacturing, robotics, cybersecurity, data analytics, biotechnology, health sciences and interactive media.
The demonstrations showcased an education model that combines classroom teaching with experimentation, research, technology and problem-solving, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Alausa said the Federal Government was particularly interested in using TNE to establish structured academic and institutional linkages between Nigerian universities and reputable international institutions.
Nigeria, through the National Universities Commission, NUC, has established a TNE framework covering joint, twinning and articulation programmes, branch campuses, online and blended learning, franchised programmes, joint academic and research initiatives, as well as faculty and student exchanges.
The minister stressed that TNE should go beyond providing access to foreign qualifications, noting that properly structured cross-border education could promote knowledge exchange, research and innovation, faculty development, technology transfer and stronger university-industry collaboration.
He said international partnerships could help Nigerian universities translate global expertise into improved teaching, research and practical training at home.
According to him, collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced manufacturing and biotechnology could strengthen laboratory-based learning, improve faculty capacity, expand research programmes and equip graduates with skills relevant to industry and the digital economy.
Alausa also interacted with Nigerian and other African students at Harrisburg University, emphasising the importance of maintaining academic and cultural links among African students and institutions.
The interaction also reflected the theme of the African Cultural Festival 2026, “The Great Reunion: Culture, Education, and Collaboration,” which promotes education, cultural exchange and shared learning as tools for strengthening African connections and development.
Those present included Harrisburg University’s Chief Strategy Officer, David Clickner; Department Chair, Manufacturing Systems, Richard Pitts Jr.; Executive Director, Strategic Healthcare Initiative, Dr Luanne Reese Hutchinson; Mr Wole Adeniyi of the African Cultural Festival; and Nigerian and other African students.
The ministry said the visit underscored its commitment to ensuring that international academic partnerships produce tangible benefits for Nigerian students, universities and the wider economy through improved practical skills, research, innovation and technology.
Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education would, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, continue to pursue reforms and strategic international partnerships aimed at placing education, skills development and innovation at the centre of national development.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to equipping Nigerian students with the knowledge, practical competencies and technological skills required to drive innovation, contribute to economic growth and compete in the global knowledge economy.