The Federal Government has commenced discussions with the Government of India to establish the globally acclaimed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and boost the country’s capacity in science and technology education.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit by officials of the Indian High Commission to his office in Abuja.
Alausa, according to a statement on the Ministry’s official X page, stated that the collaboration represents a significant step in Nigeria’s quest to improve research and innovation, noting that the proposed campus will be located at the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, Niger State.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on advancing technological education and preparing Nigerian youths for global competitiveness.
“The Federal Government welcomes this partnership with India, and we believe the establishment of an IIT campus in Nigeria will open new opportunities for research collaboration, innovation, and human capital development,” he said.
The Minister added that the discussions with India were at an advanced stage, expressing optimism that the project would serve as a model for similar collaborations with other countries.
Representing the Indian Government, officials from the High Commission said the initiative demonstrates India’s readiness to expand its educational cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the fields of engineering, technology, and innovation.
In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Abhishek Singh, said, “India and Nigeria share a long history of cooperation, and education remains a key pillar of our bilateral relationship. The IIT campus in Nigeria will serve as a platform for academic exchange and knowledge transfer.”
Part Of India’s Global Education Drive
IIT Nigeria forms part of India’s broader strategy to globalise higher education. The IIT Madras–Zanzibar campus opened in 2023, while IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi began operations in 2024. India is also exploring future IIT campuses in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
The NEP 2020 encourages Indian universities to open overseas campuses and welcomes top foreign universities to India. It promotes joint degrees, research collaborations, and faculty exchanges to enhance international knowledge sharing. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India aims “to share its strengths with other countries while welcoming international students and researchers.”
For Nigeria, the IIT campus will provide world-class education and strengthen skills in science and engineering. For India, it represents a new phase of educational diplomacy, reinforcing bilateral relations, promoting research collaboration, and showcasing India’s academic excellence globally.
By fostering innovation and collaboration, IIT Nigeria brings India’s NEP 2020 vision closer to reality, one campus, one country, and one student at a time.
