On July 12th, 2025, the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) hosted the 2025 NHEF Higher Education Forum in Lagos, Nigeria. The forum convened an esteemed gathering of policymakers, Vice Chancellors, faculty leaders, industry professionals, partners, faculty, scholars and graduate doctors to chart a strategic path forward for Nigeria’s tertiary education system under the theme “Developing Institutional Roadmaps for Growth and Impact in Nigeria’s Higher Education.”
The Forum served as a high-level dialogue platform, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening institutional leadership and capacity within Nigerian universities. The event highlighted critical conversations around leadership, reform, and impact, framed by the urgent need to build resilient and globally competitive universities.
Keynote Address by His Excellency, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria
In his rousing keynote address, the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasized the pivotal role universities play in national development, innovation, and youth empowerment. He acknowledged the NHEF’s continued leadership in bridging gaps between academia and industry and commended the Foundation for its efforts over the past 21 years.
The minister emphasized the importance of collaboration, performance-driven leadership, and capacity development at all levels of university governance. He advised on greater collaboration between government, the private sector, and academic institutions to ensure that universities are not just centers of learning but engines of national innovation and economic growth.
Institutional Roadmap Session
This session provided a platform for university leaders to present and discuss the institutional roadmaps developed as part of their participation in the NHEF Higher Education Leadership & Transformation Program. Each roadmap addressed key areas such as: Governance and Strategic Planning, Faculty Development and Research Capacity, Student Success and Employability, Infrastructure and Digital Transformation and Funding Diversification and Resource Mobilization.
The presentation to the Honourable Minister was delivered by Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, on behalf of all Vice Chancellors from the participating universities. She outlined key recommendations aimed at advancing the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian universities. The session emphasised peer learning, accountability, and the importance of locally driven solutions informed by global best practices.
Minister’s Feedback Session
In response to the institutional roadmap presentations, the Minister provided constructive feedback and expressed support for the bold ideas and reform commitments shared. He reiterated the Ministry’s openness to policy innovation, institutional autonomy, and closer partnership with reform-minded university leaders.
In conclusion, the 2025 NHEF Higher Education Forum reinforced the Foundation’s vision of a revitalized Nigerian university system led by purpose-driven and empowered leaders. The event concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration, urgency, and shared accountability for delivering institutional transformation across the country’s higher education landscape.