The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has strengthened its international academic partnership with the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, with the commissioning of a technology-enabled smart classroom designed to facilitate joint teaching, research and academic exchange.
The facility was established through a collaboration involving the University of Lagos Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS-UNILAG), the University of Liverpool and the Architecture, Heritage and Urbanism of West Africa (AHUA) initiative.
The commissioning ceremony was held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the IADS Board Room, with members of the University Management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, in attendance.
Partnership Promotes Academic Excellence
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of IADS, Research Professor Luqman Ayodele Yusuff, described the facility as a significant milestone in UNILAG’s internationalisation efforts.
The Research Professor of Linguistics and Language Engineering noted that the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities had facilitated a joint master’s programme in Global Urbanism and Heritage, collaborative research and academic exchanges.
Professor Yusuff acknowledged the contributions of Professor Ola Nduku and other collaborators, as well as the University of Liverpool’s £15,000 contribution through the AHUA initiative towards equipping the classroom.
Technology to Enhance Teaching and Research
Professor Yusuff explained that the smart classroom was equipped with an uninterruptible power supply and Starlink internet connectivity to support seamless virtual lectures, meetings, and research collaborations between scholars and students of both institutions.
He appreciated the partners for their support and disclosed that recommendations made by the Vice-Chancellor on improving the seating arrangement would be implemented to make the facility more conducive to teaching and learning.
Liverpool Reaffirms Commitment to Collaboration
In her remarks, Professor Ola Nduku, Professor of Architecture at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the history of more than a decade of collaboration between the institutions, describing the partnership as an opportunity to deepen academic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
She expressed optimism that the facility would enhance real-time communication, support ongoing research, and create further opportunities for collaboration among academics, students, and faculties. She added that the initiative was part of a five-year project, with approximately two and a half to three years remaining.
Emphasising the importance of equitable international partnerships, Professor Nduku noted that technology had reduced geographical barriers, enabling institutions in the Global North and Global South to pursue shared academic goals. She reaffirmed the University of Liverpool’s commitment to sustaining the partnership.
VC Commends Technology-Driven Academic Engagement
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, commended the initiative, noting that international collaborations could help bridge the divide between the Global North and the Global South while strengthening research and knowledge production on Africa.
She observed that the facility could serve departments and units across the University beyond IADS and congratulated the project team on the achievement.
The commissioning marks another milestone in UNILAG’s efforts to expand international partnerships, leverage technology for academic advancement, and promote collaborative teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Islamiat Akanni
