Education as export resource for Nigeria

by Osobase Ehizua

Education as an exportable service holds immense potential for Nigeria. So, embracing transnational education enables Nigeria to expand international education access and strengthen collaborations with global partners. This strategic move goes beyond academics, fostering cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and skills development.

The benefits of transnational education are far-reaching, enhancing the educational landscape by introducing co-funded scholarship programmes, student support services, and establishment of foreign universities in Nigeria. This initiative not only enriches the local educational ecosystem but also aligns with global trends where countries like the United States and the United Kingdom benefit significantly from education exports yearly.

As Nigeria experiences a surge in higher education interest, partnerships with key players such as China, UK, Canada, US and Australia are crucial to meet the growing demand for quality education.

In the post-pandemic world, focusing on education as a tradable service not only drives economic growth but also fosters cross-border relationships, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to global partnerships and excellence in research and teaching.

The present geopolitical, economic and policy contexts in Nigeria have posed challenges for international education activities, with a focus on other sectors in the past.

Nigeria’s higher education providers have found it difficult to establish collaborative research activities with foreign education providers. Despite the misconceptions about funding, there is significant interest from foreign universities, investors and organisations in partnering Nigeria’s education sector players in the right environment.

Nigeria’s education sector offers vast opportunities, supported by a vibrant youth population making global impact. With over 90 million people under 18 years of age, Nigeria ranks as the world’s third-largest youth population, trailing only India and China. The country’s transnational education activities have negatively influenced the economy, leading to substantial forex outflows for tuition fees and Personal Travel Allowances, taking a huge portion of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s subsidies on forex and contributing negatively to the performance of the naira.

The CBN disclosed that foreign education cost the country $28.65bn from 2010 to 2020, with PTAs totalling $58.7bn. Redirecting a portion of these funds could have significantly strengthened the naira. Promoting the transnational education sector in Nigeria is pivotal for boosting the economy and alleviating forex pressure.

Offering scholarships and fostering partnerships for in-country foreign education delivery can help Nigeria attract more transnational education providers, solidifying its position as Africa’s largest market for international education. 

Collaborative efforts will play a vital role in improving the international education landscape in Nigeria. 

There is an urgent need for legislative framework to create policies that will enable the Federal Government to develop a sustainable transnational education sector. These policies will facilitate the transformation of six universities into transnational tertiary educational institutions, boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product through education exports, and establishing a roadmap for long-term market growth. 

Safeguarding Nigerian students abroad is paramount, with a task force focusing on qualification recognition and insurance schemes.

Championing this policy transformative effort is Osobase Ehizua, a senior legislative aide in the office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives. Ehizua’s commitment to robust legislative frameworks aligns with the vision of the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the legislative level.

Collaborating with educational and diplomatic bodies, Ehizua is spearheading the legislative framework for the establishment of an International Education Commission, emphasising excellence and collaboration.

Efforts under Ehizua’s leadership aim to create a legislative roadmap for transnational education in the country. The goal is to fortify the education sector, enhance bilateral relations and leverage education as an exportable resource for economic growth. The proposed International Education Commission Bill seeks to foster peace, justice and the safety of Nigerian students abroad.