Nigerian School Becomes First African Campus in UK

A Nigerian educational institution just shattered barriers by becoming the first African-owned school to establish a campus in the United Kingdom, opening doors for thousands of students across the continent.

Westerfield College, which operates campuses in Nigeria, launched its UK campus in Worcester in 2025 after just one year of planning. The achievement marks a historic reversal of the typical education flow, with an African institution now exporting its educational model to Britain.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed school leaders during their one-year anniversary celebrations, praising the alignment between the college's vision and Lagos's youth empowerment goals. The governor highlighted how the UK campus positions Nigeria positively on the global education map while giving young Nigerians competitive advantages in international markets.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Dosunmu, a Lagos native, led the delegation that met with the governor as part of celebrations that included an official launch at the British High Commissioner's residence. The college is now hosting the School Leaders and Teachers Conference 2026 and participating in the International Education Fair to expand opportunities for African families.

The UK campus offers Cambridge A Levels, University Foundation Programmes, and pre-medicine courses that blend British academic standards with personalized, student-centered teaching. This approach helps students transition smoothly into top universities while maintaining cultural connections to home.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends beyond individual students to entire communities. This summer, Westerfield will run three cohorts of UK Summer Camps from July through August, offering Nigerian youth immersive experiences in STEM, business, law, computing, arts and humanities.

Participants gain more than academics. They build confidence through leadership training, sports including football and tennis, educational tours across Britain, and networking with peers from different backgrounds.

Dosunmu explained that the college views education as a tool for global mobility and personal transformation. The summer programs give families meaningful insight into the British education system while helping students develop the global awareness needed to thrive anywhere.

The model challenges traditional narratives about African education. Instead of students leaving home to study abroad, they can now access British qualifications through an African institution that understands their cultural context and unique needs.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that Nigerian youth consistently excel worldwide, reflecting the country's strong human capital. The Westerfield expansion proves that African educational institutions can compete at the highest international levels while staying rooted in their home communities.

The college continues strengthening educational linkages between Nigeria and the UK, creating bridges that benefit students, families, and both nations. Every student who gains international exposure through these programs returns home better equipped to drive progress across Africa.