Westerfield College, a Nigerian educational institution, has officially established a campus in the United Kingdom.
The college, founded by Michael Dosunmu in 2012, has campuses in Ebute-Metta, Victoria Island, Kano, and Abuja.
The UK campus, approved by the British government, will offer a range of programs, including pre-university courses in business, science, and engineering, as well as English language upskilling courses, leadership training, and a summer camp for students aged 10 to 17.
Speaking at the official launch of the UK campus, Dosunmu emphasized that the expansion is not intended to depopulate the Nigerian campuses but rather to complement the existing educational offerings.
Dosunmu said it has been his dream to change the landscape of Nigerian education knowing full well the incredible talent and knowledge that Nigerian institution impart in their students which makes them excel international institutions they found themselves.
He emphasised that the institution’s expansion into the UK is not intended to depopulate its Nigerian campuses but rather to complement its existing educational offerings.
Mr Dosunmu explained that the UK campus will offer a range of programmes, including pre-university courses in business, science, and engineering.
Other offerings will include English language upskilling courses, leadership training, a summer camp for students aged 10 to 17, and a pre-master’s programme for graduates seeking academic refinement before enrolling in UK universities.
Meanwhile, The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the launch as a historic milestone for Nigeria’s education sector.
Salu-Hundeyin emphasized that the expansion of a Nigerian educational institution into the UK signals a shift in how Nigerian education is perceived globally.
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Johnny Baxter, welcomed the launch, stating that the UK is committed to deepening economic ties with Nigeria, not only in education but also in energy, financial services, and infrastructure.
She further stated that Westerfield College’s presence in the UK is proof that Nigerian education is making strides internationally.
“The opening of this iconic campus in the United Kingdom reminds us of the boundless possibilities that arise when we invest in knowledge and foster international partnerships,” she added.
Ms Salu-Hundeyin also described the new campus as a bridge connecting cultures, ideas, and aspirations, reinforcing the notion that education can serve as a tool for global unity and progress.
The deputy high commissioner described the college launch as an ‘exciting step’ for Nigeria in expanding its education offering internationally, particularly in the UK market.”
While acknowledging that tuition fees at the UK campus will be higher, Mr Dosunmu assured that the quality of education would remain consistent with the standards already established in Nigeria.
Beyond academics, he highlighted the significance of Westerfield’s UK expansion in reinforcing Nigeria-UK bilateral trade relations.
“As a Nigerian business setting up in the UK, we are contributing to the actualisation of that bilateral relationship, ensuring that it is not just a one-sided transfer of investments,” he said.
While giving her vote of thanks, the wife of the founder Mrs Dosunmu highlighted the doggedness of the founder in making this dream a reality. She pointed out the several rejections they continually received before getting this structure which 580 times bigger than the one they have in Victoria Island. She said “this was purely God at play”
The school will officially start in the summer when the first set of students will begin classes in the new academic year.
Franktalk.com