Unicaf scholars from Nigeria who have graduated from the University of East London in the UK were invited to a special ceremony for the recognition of their academic achievement at the Oriental hotel in Lagos on the 31st of January.
Professor Paul Marshall, Vice-President (Global Campus) & Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Careers & Enterprise) at the University of East London, praised the fact that Nigerian graduates were able to celebrate their success in their own country, with their families and friends. In his message, Professor Marshall emphasised that the partnership with Unicaf enables students across Africa and beyond to earn British degrees without putting their lives and careers on hold by relocating to the UK. He mentioned the important distinctions earned by the University of East London recently, which was named ‘University of the Year for Teaching Quality’ by the Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, and was positioned among the top 40 universities in the UK and the top six in London by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
To the graduates, Professor Marshall said: ‘You have proven that learning does not depend on where you are, but on who you choose to be. Whether you live in Nigeria, or elsewhere across Africa and beyond, you are part of the University of East London community and part of our shared story. Your discipline and your ambition also connects you to a Global Network of graduates, building careers around the world. Through our alumni networks and our growing Global Partnerships we will continue to support you as you take your next steps. As you move forward, hold on to what has brought you here: your curiosity, your courage and your determination to create opportunities, not only for yourself but for others as well!”
Unicaf’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr Kevin Andrews, acknowledged the challenges faced by many of the graduates, who have completed their studies while working full time, caring for family members, and handling other responsibilities. Dr Andrews called the event ‘a celebration of resilience’ and underlined that the partnership between Unicaf and the University of East London is built on the belief that talent is found everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally distributed. By making British degrees accessible to committed students across the world, Dr Andrews stated, Unicaf and the University of East London have helped reverse that inequality. Finally, Dr Andrews gave the graduates these words of advice: “When we speak about opportunity and international progression, it is important that you understand how to access reliable guidance on your next steps, through the proper university channels. So please do take advantage of the UEL Alumni and Careers Support. Graduates, congratulations. Your degree represents not only what you have learned, but who you have become in the process”.
Osinachi Ibiam-Uro delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of all Nigerian graduates of the University of East London through Unicaf. Osinachi expressed gratitude to Unicaf and UEL for providing the opportunity to earn a highly reputable British degree through an innovative online study model, within an environment that values academic excellence, integrity, and innovation. After thanking tutors, lecturers, supervisors and mentors for their guidance, support and high standards, Osinachi turned to fellow graduates: “We come from different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines, but today we are united by a shared accomplishment. As we step into the next phase of our lives, let us remember the responsibility that comes with this degree. May we use our knowledge ethically, our skills wisely, and our voices courageously. May we strive not just for personal success, but for making a meaningful impact in our communities and the world at large”.
The following degree programmes are offered under the academic partnership of the University of East London in the UK with Unicaf:
- MBA
- MSc International Business Management
- LLM (General)
- MSc Business Psychology
- MSc Oil & Gas with Energy Management
- MSc International Relations
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Big Data Technologies
- MSc Construction Engineering Management
- MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics
For more information please visit the website of the partnership at https://www.uel.ac.uk/partners/talent-gateway/academic-partnerships/strategic-partners/unicaf
Written by Eva Koursoumba
