LASU, University Of Illinois Chicago Deepen Strategic Partnership On Academic Research, Global Health

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The Lagos State University (LASU) has recorded another milestone in its drive towards internationalisation and global academic excellence by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), United States of America.

With this development, the Lagos-owned citadel of Nigerian pride has again established a robust framework for strategic collaboration in teaching, research and global health.

The landmark agreement was formalised during  at the UIC School of Public Health, Chicago, United States of America on Tuesday, 28th July 2026.

The event brought together representatives of both institutions in a shared commitment to advancing knowledge through international collaboration, academic exchange and research excellence.

The LASU delegation was led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr Babatunde Ogala, SAN, alongside the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM; a member of the Governing Council, Mr Towanu Abiodun Hundeyin and the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Fanu.

Also in attendance was a member of the Governing Council, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo.

Beyond the signing ceremony, the roundtable discussion afforded both universities the opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest and identify pathways for deeper collaboration in education, research and global health.

Under the agreement, LASU and UIC will collaborate in strategic areas including faculty exchange, student exchange, joint research activities, joint educational programmes, and the exchange of academic materials for a period of five years while each initiative will be implemented through mutually agreed programmes.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the agreement as another important milestone in the University’s internationalisation agenda.

She noted that the partnership aligns with her vision of positioning LASU as a globally competitive institution, a vision that has continued to enjoy the unwavering support of the 13th Governing Council.

The VC also commended the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Oseni Taiwo AFISI, FSPSP, MCIoD, whose commitment, strategic engagements, and sustained efforts were instrumental to the successful consummation of the partnership.

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr Ogala, SAN, expressed confidence that the partnership would open up new frontiers of collaboration between the two institutions as Lagos State University continues to consolidate its position as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.

The collaboration with the University of Illinois Chicago is the latest in a series of strategic international partnerships that continue to elevate LASU’s global profile.

Only recently, the University strengthened its internationalisation drive with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), through which it secured the hosting rights for the global MCN Summit scheduled for March 2027.

The partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago further reinforces Lagos State University’s position as one of Africa’s emerging centres of academic excellence, where local relevance continues to intersect with global engagement, international visibility and impactful partnerships.