Newcastle University

The university has been helping train Nigerian academics through its Staff Development Unit and the Faculty of SAgE, in a partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

Thirty two Nigerian lecturers have now completed the Certificate in Advanced Studies in Academic Practice (Intensive) programme in Newcastle, which included a three month course designed to enhance their academic practice. The lecturers learned skills such as how to create engaging modules with a student focus and how to produce interactive lectures and presentations.

“It was a really rewarding experience for both parties to be involved in," said Dr Young (pictured), who carried out the training along with other staff members. "We taught them skills such as how to teach more effectively but also how to forge links with industry, how to lead and develop their colleagues and also how to give feedback to their students. Staff in SAgE Faculty and Professional Services also made significant contributions to the training, which was great.

“It was good for us as well, as the Nigerian academics came with fresh questions and new perspectives, which really make you think about how you do your own job.

“They will now go back to their home universities, in every corner of Nigeria, to pass on the skills they have learnt and help create a generation of capable and skilled young Nigerian workers.”

Tanimu Ahmed, Head of the Training department at PTDF, said: “We had several objectives with this course. We want to improve the quality of Nigerian university lecturers. In Nigeria there is a gap between industry and academia, and we want to bridge that gap so academics are producing the kind of skilled graduates our industries need.

“We also wanted to develop links with the UK and that was why Newcastle University was ideal. It is respected around the world and has the kind of skills we were looking for. We are delighted with the feedback so far and the success of the programme.”