The British Council has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy and education sector, pledging deeper partnerships, capacity-building programmes, and broader opportunities for young people and educators.
The pledge was announced during Creative Economy Week 2025 in Lagos, a high-profile forum that brought together creative professionals, cultural hubs, policymakers, industry leaders, private sector players, and investors. Discussions at the event centred on skills development and strategies for ensuring sustainable growth within Nigeria’s dynamic creative industries.
Delivering the keynote address, Andona McConnell, Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, emphasised the organisation’s mission to drive long-term impact through collaboration at multiple levels. “We have established strong connections with government ministries, educational institutions, the creative sector, and thousands of young people,” she noted, adding that seeing those partnerships deepen over the years remains a source of inspiration.
McConnell, who has spent over three decades with the British Council in countries including Zambia, Lebanon, and Vietnam, explained that her leadership style in Nigeria balances global perspective with local realities. “Every country is unique. What I bring is not expertise about Nigeria,that rests with my Nigerian colleagues and partners,but a global outlook and the willingness to listen and learn,” she explained.
On the creative front, McConnell applauded Nigeria’s influence on the global stage, highlighting the vibrancy of its creative industry. She noted that the British Council continues to serve as a platform for amplifying Nigerian talent internationally. As an example, she cited the participation of Nigerian designers in Africa Fashion Week London, supported by the Council, which offered creators greater visibility abroad. “We cannot do everything, but we can leverage our platforms to help creatives connect, learn, and showcase their work globally,” she said.
In line with this vision, the Council has recently introduced the Creative Showcase Programme, which transforms its spaces across Nigeria into hubs for performances, exhibitions, networking sessions, and collaborative projects. The initiative is intended to nurture innovation, foster collaboration, and connect creatives with organisations that can support their growth.
Beyond creativity, McConnell stressed that education remains central to the British Council’s work in Nigeria. Key efforts focus on teacher training and school leadership development, ensuring educators are equipped to deliver improved learning outcomes. “We have been working closely with teachers and school leaders to support their professional growth. The ripple effect is seen in stronger classroom teaching and better results for students nationwide,” she said.
By integrating education and creative initiatives, the British Council aims not only to empower Nigerian youth but also to lay a stronger foundation for the country’s long-term economic growth.
Stakeholders at the Lagos event commended the Council for consistently bridging Nigerian talent with global networks while tackling systemic challenges in education.
Closing her remarks, McConnell reaffirmed the Council’s vision: to empower young Nigerians, promote the nation’s creative talent internationally, and strengthen its education system to meet future challenges.
