The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has strengthened its international engagement efforts following its participation in the inaugural Brazil-Africa Rectors’ Forum, where discussions focused on expanding academic cooperation between African and Brazilian universities.
The three-day forum, held from May 25 to 27, 2026, at the Brasília International Convention Center in Brazil, brought together university leaders, policymakers, and experts in higher education internationalisation to explore opportunities for deeper academic, scientific, and cultural collaboration.
Representing UNILAG at the high-level gathering were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, and the Director of the Office of Global Engagement, Partnerships and Prospects (GESP), Professor Abimbola Sowemimo. UNILAG and the University of Abuja were the only Nigerian institutions represented at the event.
The forum, supported by Brazil’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was officially opened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Other dignitaries in attendance included Brazil’s Minister of Education, Leonardo Barchini, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira.
A major highlight of the event was Professor Lesi’s presentation titled, “Proposals and Future Directions for Academic Relations between Brazilian and African Countries.” In the presentation, he outlined strategies aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing mutually beneficial collaborations between universities across both regions.
Participants engaged in panel discussions, bilateral meetings, academic mobility sessions, research collaboration workshops, and deliberations on scientific exchange programmes and joint degree initiatives.
The forum also provided UNILAG with the opportunity to hold direct engagements with several Brazilian universities across different academic fields. Discussions centred on potential partnerships in student and staff exchange programmes, joint research projects, postgraduate co-supervision, academic mobility, and other collaborative initiatives.
According to university officials, the proposed partnerships are expected to enhance teaching, research, innovation, and capacity development within the institution while creating broader opportunities for students and academic staff.
Speaking on the significance of the forum, Professor Lesi said the university’s participation aligns with its vision of building a globally connected institution that leverages strategic international partnerships to advance excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
UNILAG noted that its participation in the inaugural Brazil-Africa Rectors’ Forum marks another milestone in its internationalisation agenda and underscores its commitment to expanding its global footprint through impactful partnerships that contribute to academic excellence, sustainable development, and cross-cultural understanding.
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