The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has partnered with the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, to launch Nigeria’s first-ever joint Master of Laws (LLM) programme, a move set to position UNILAG on the global stage of advanced legal training.
The programme allows students to earn LLM degrees from both institutions through a transnational study arrangement that combines local grounding with international exposure. Students will begin the programme at UNILAG, completing six months of coursework in Nigeria, before moving to Dundee for the remaining six months. Graduates will receive separate LLM certificates from both universities.
At the launch held at the British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described the programme as transformative for legal education in Nigeria. She said it equips students to tackle complex legal and ethical issues from global perspectives while staying rooted in African realities.
“The partnership aligns with UNILAG’s vision of reimagining international collaborations built on co-creation, mutual respect and shared responsibility,” she added, noting that the future of higher education lies in collaboration rather than competition.
Prof. Nigel Seaton, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, described the joint LLM as a milestone for Dundee’s engagement with Africa. He highlighted that the programme offers students perspectives from both the Global South and Global North and connects them to a vibrant alumni community, particularly in sectors like energy.
Prof. Dayo Ayoade, Coordinator of the Joint LLM Programme, said the idea originated in 2019 during an oil and gas law training in Abuja. Despite pandemic-related disruptions, the programme was realised through ongoing collaboration and an existing memorandum of understanding between the two universities.
Other stakeholders, including former UNILAG Law Dean Prof. Ige Bolodeoku and Prof. Ismail Ibraheem, Director of Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, praised the initiative as a model for internationalisation and academic excellence. UNILAG Law Dean Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN) confirmed that students will receive two distinct certificates upon fulfilling all programme requirements at both institutions.
One of the pioneer students, Blessing, described the joint LLM as a “dream come true,” noting that the programme allows her to gain both Nigerian and UK legal perspectives within a year without the challenges of studying fully abroad.
