Tunji Alausa, minister of education, has led discussions with the leadership of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania, United States, on developing transnational education partnerships to strengthen practical science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Nigerian universities.
Alausa led a delegation to the university ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), as part of efforts to connect Nigeria’s higher education system with international expertise and innovative approaches.
During the visit, the minister toured the university’s STEM laboratories and applied learning facilities and met Christopher Reber, president of Harrisburg University, and other senior officials.
Students at the university 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 instruction with experimentation, research, technology and problem-solving, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Alausa said the federal ministry of education is focusing on transnational education (TNE) as a means of creating structured academic and institutional links between Nigerian universities and reputable international institutions.
He added that 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 programmes, as well as faculty and student exchange and mobility.
The minister said TNE should go beyond providing access to foreign qualifications, arguing that well-structured cross-border education could support knowledge exchange, research and innovation, faculty development, technology transfer and stronger university-industry links.
He said areas including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and health sciences could help Nigerian universities improve laboratory-based learning, expand research programmes and develop graduates with skills aligned with industry needs.
Alausa also interacted with Nigerian and other African students at the university, stressing the importance of maintaining academic and cultural links among African students and institutions.
The interaction also aligned with the theme of the African cultural festival 2026, “The great reunion: Culture, education, and collaboration.”
Alausa said the ministry would continue to pursue international partnerships and reforms aimed at equipping Nigerian students with the knowledge, practical competencies and technological skills needed to contribute to economic growth and compete in the global knowledge economy.
The ministry said the visit was aimed at ensuring that international academic partnerships produce tangible benefits for Nigerian students, universities and the wider economy, particularly in practical skills, research, innovation and technology.
