Several UK-based schools are set to host the popular UK Boarding Schools Week in Abuja and Lagos from January 16 to 19, 2025. The annual exhibition, organized by Mark Brooks Education in collaboration with the UK Department for Business and Trade, aims to connect Nigerian families with top-tier educational opportunities in the UK. This year’s event marks the 17th anniversary of the initiative, which highlights the achievements of Nigerian students in UK schools while showcasing institutions with exceptional academic records and welcoming boarding facilities.

The programme comes as the United Kingdom experiences a significant decline in visa applications for work and study. Provisional data from the UK Home Office reveals a 42% drop in applications, falling from 942,500 in 2023 to 547,000 in 2024—a reduction of nearly 400,000. The decline is attributed to new restrictions aimed at reducing illegal migration, particularly impacting international students and foreign care workers.

Despite these challenges, the organisers remain optimistic about fostering connections between Nigerian families and UK schools. The event will feature leading institutions such as Aldro Preparatory School, Bromsgrove School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Concord College, Glenalmond College, Lancing College, Malvern St. James Girls’ School, and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. These schools are noted for their academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and a longstanding tradition of embracing Nigerian students.

The organisers encourage families to attend and explore opportunities to secure placements in prestigious institutions. The event will also celebrate the accomplishments of Nigerian students, underscoring their contributions to the UK’s educational landscape. As visa policies tighten, platforms like this offer a vital avenue for Nigerian students to pursue their aspirations abroad.