The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has kicked off its 5th International Week with a promising development for its students, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the International Metaverse Association Japan (IMA Japan) and its Nigerian partners to the University’s management.
The visit, which took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, marks a significant milestone in advancing digital learning and academic exchange between Japan and Nigeria.
Led by the Vice President of IMA Japan, Hiromi Komuro, the delegation included Chairman of M7 Technologies, Alhaji Usman Mohammed and representatives of intending partners, Mr. Wayne and Mr. Samson. They were on ground to discuss collaboration on an AI Technology Online Education Programme.
The delegation were received at the Senate House, UNILAG by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Folabi Lesi, FNAMed along with the Director of Academic Affairs, Prof. Matthew Ilori and two UNILAG specialists in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa and Dr. Chika Banjo.
 Global Platform for AI and Metaverse Learning
The proposed AI Technology Online Education Programme is hosted by IMA Japan and co-organised with several global institutions. These partners include Waseda University (Japan), IEEE Digital Transformation Consortium Japan, the Rodin Art Foundation (USA), and M7 Technologies (Nigeria).
The goal of the programme is to develop AI-powered online education platforms, metaverse-based learning systems, and international virtual classrooms. This initiative is designed to expand access to high-quality digital education for students around the world.
In the words of Hiromi Komuro, this partnership “represents not only educational innovation but also a new chapter in Japan–Nigeria friendship”.
The collaboration between IMA Japan and the University of Lagos will serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation in international digital education, research exchange, and cultural understanding.
UNILAG’s Strength in AI Research
Receiving the visiting delegation, UNILAG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Folabi Lesi welcomed the initiative by highlighting recent recognitions and strides of the University. He expressed the full readiness of UNILAG to collaborate on the proposed programme.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor noted that the timing of the visit was particularly significant as it coincided with UNILAG’s recent ranking as the No. 1 university in Nigeria by Times Higher Education (THE). He added that this ranking attests to the strength of UNILAG researchers, particularly in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
Expressing optimism that further deliberations on the proposed programme would be fruitful, Professor Lesi disclosed the necessary steps to be taken to legitimize the proposal such as signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and working out the pragmatics of aligning academic calendars to allow for seamless student and faculty exchanges between the universities.
About IMA Japan
The International Metaverse Association Japan (IMA Japan) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing metaverse technology, digital transformation, and international cooperation in education, culture, and innovation.
