Lagos, Nigeria – The United Kingdom Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, made an official visit to the Charterhouse School in Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa.
The visit, aimed at strengthening educational ties between the UK and Nigeria, was a testament to the UK government’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s pursuit of high-quality education within its borders.
In a statement released by Ndidiamaka Eze, the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer and Comms Lead for Prosperity and Economic Development, Badenoch expressed her admiration for the school and its significance in promoting educational excellence in Nigeria. Accompanied by Helen Grant, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Girls Education, Badenoch toured the construction site of the new campus located in Lekki Ajah, Lagos.
During her visit, Badenoch highlighted the positive outcomes of recent discussions between the UK and Nigeria, which resulted in the removal of restrictions on transnational education investment. This breakthrough has opened doors for UK higher education institutions to forge partnerships with their Nigerian counterparts, amounting to an estimated £50 million in investment. Badenoch expressed optimism that this initial foray into Nigeria’s education sector would pave the way for further collaboration.
Badenoch praised the progress made in the construction of the Charterhouse site, emphasizing the school’s role as the first UK-independent school in West Africa. She lauded the reputation of the UK education system and expressed hope that the school would deliver a world-class learning experience for Nigerian students.
John Todd, the Head and Director of Education at Charterhouse School, expressed gratitude for the visit and the continued support of the UK government through the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos. Todd spoke proudly of the school’s British heritage and its commitment to providing exceptional education in Nigeria.
Beyond her engagement with Charterhouse School, Minister Badenoch’s itinerary in Lagos included meetings with prominent businesses such as Standard Chartered Bank, Avanti Satellite Communications, IHS Towers, and the British International Investment, a British development finance institution. These discussions focused on exploring trade and investment opportunities for businesses on both sides.
Minister Badenoch’s visit to Nigeria will culminate in a meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in Abuja. The purpose of this meeting is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, further solidifying the commitment between the UK and Nigeria.
Kemi Badenoch, who assumed her role as Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade on February 7, 2023, also serves as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade. Additionally, she holds the position of Minister for Women and Equalities for the Equality Hub, appointments she received on September 6, 2022, and October 25, 2022, respectively.