The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has reinforced its commitment to global engagement and internationalisation following its participation in the inaugural Brazil-Africa Rectors’ Forum, where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Foluso Ebun Afolabi Lesi, advanced discussions on new opportunities for academic collaboration between African and Brazilian universities.
The landmark forum, held from May 25 to 27, 2026, at the Brasília International Convention Center, brought together university leaders, policymakers, and internationalisation experts from across Africa and Brazil to deepen academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation through South-South partnerships. Throughout the three-day event, participants explored pathways for enhancing institutional partnerships through panel discussions, bilateral meetings, academic mobility sessions, research collaboration workshops, and engagements focused on scientific exchange and joint degree programmes.
Supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum was officially opened by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Also in attendance were the Minister of Education, Leonardo Barchini, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, highlighting Brazil’s commitment to strengthening educational and research cooperation with African countries.
Professor Lesi represented UNILAG alongside the Director of the Office of Global Engagement, Partnerships and Prospects (GESP), Professor Abimbola Sowemimo. Notably, the University of Lagos and University of Abuja were the only two Nigerian universities represented at the high-level gathering.
A major highlight of UNILAG’s participation was Professor Lesi’s presentation, “Proposals and Future Directions for Academic Relations between Brazilian and African Countries.” The presentation outlined practical strategies for expanding institutional cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering mutually beneficial academic partnerships between universities in both regions.
The forum also provided an important platform for UNILAG to engage directly with several Brazilian universities across a range of academic disciplines. Discussions identified promising opportunities for student and staff mobility, joint research initiatives, postgraduate co-supervision, academic exchange programmes, and the establishment of formal institutional partnerships.
These engagements are expected to open new avenues for collaboration that will strengthen teaching, research, innovation, and capacity development across the University community.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Professor Lesi noted that participation in the forum aligns with UNILAG’s vision of building a globally connected institution that leverages strategic partnerships to advance excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
The University’s participation in the inaugural Brazil-Africa Rectors’ Forum represents another significant milestone in its internationalisation journey, further reinforcing its commitment to expanding its global footprint and cultivating impactful partnerships that contribute to academic excellence, sustainable development, and cross-cultural understanding.
