Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, have commended Michael Dosunmu, the Nigerian founder of Westerfield College, for the successful establishment of the college’s UK branch. The duo celebrated the achievement, underscoring its significance in strengthening Nigeria-UK bilateral relations and broadening the reach of Nigeria’s educational influence on the global stage.
The remarks were made during the official launch of the UK campus at the British Residence in Lagos on Thursday. Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Lagos State Secretary Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, expressed his excitement about the new development, calling it “a testament to the vision and dedication” of the college’s founder. He further emphasized that the opening of the UK campus was proof of Nigerian education’s growing international recognition.
“I am excited by the birth of Westerfield College in the UK,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This achievement is not just a reflection of the founder’s commitment but also a reminder of how education serves as a bridge connecting cultures, ideas, and aspirations, ultimately fostering global unity and progress.”
The governor congratulated Dosunmu and the college’s faculty members for reaching this milestone, wishing them continued success.
Jonny Baxter, the UK Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the strong, multi-faceted bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He noted that education is a key area of this partnership, with trade between the two nations now exceeding £7.5 billion and continuing to grow. He underscored that the UK is home to several Nigerian businesses, stressing the mutual benefits of this economic exchange.
“This is why today’s event is so exciting,” Baxter said. “It’s not just about UK businesses in Nigeria, but also Nigerian enterprises establishing themselves in the UK.”
In an interview with Nigerian Tribune, Baxter also reassured prospective Nigerian students that the UK’s visa process for those wishing to attend Westerfield College would be the same as for any other UK-based institution, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and trade ties.
“The UK remains committed to deepening its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in sectors like energy, financial services, and infrastructure,” Baxter added.
Michael Dosunmu, the founder of Westerfield College, shared his personal journey of the institution’s growth, from its humble beginnings in Yaba, Lagos in 2011, to expanding to Victoria Island, Kano, and Abuja in subsequent years. He explained that the UK campus would not detract from the college’s Nigerian campuses but would instead complement its educational offerings, which include pre-university courses in business, science, and engineering, English language upskilling, leadership training, and a summer camp for students aged 10-17.
“We’re committed to offering the same high-quality education and facilities as our Nigerian campuses,” Dosunmu said, noting that while tuition fees in the UK campus may be slightly higher, the standards would remain consistent across all locations.
Alumni from Westerfield College, including Ololade Olanipekun and Ayodele Oluwaropo, shared their success stories during the event. Oluwaropo, speaking via Zoom, credited the college for shaping his journey to becoming a doctoral student.
“It’s a great honor to see Westerfield College expand globally,” he said. “The college has played an instrumental role in who I am today.”
As the new UK campus marks a major step in the college’s international expansion, there is growing optimism about its potential to influence and elevate the education sector on a global scale.
