As the new academic session kicks off in September, Niall McAleer, the regional manager for the Middle East and Africa region at Ulster University, recently visited Nigeria with his team to meet new students and stakeholders. Having extended partnership links in 36 countries, with more than 225,000 alumni located in 154 countries across the world, Ulster University, Northern Island, United Kingdom, has become a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education. The university’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research is well recognised in Nigeria. McAleer spoke with Christy Anyanwu.
You visited Nigeria recently with your team, why?
I am the regional manager for the Middle East and Africa region at Ulster University. As a seasoned professional in international student recruitment with over a decade of experience in the field, my team’s visit to Nigeria actually provided a valuable opportunity to guide, prepare, and support applicants joining Ulster University in September 2024. Meeting with our new students in Nigeria before they travel to the UK allows us to engage them more meaningfully. This visit enables us to address questions and alleviate any final concerns students or their families may have. This is not my first to Nigeria. During my many visits to Nigeria, I have worked closely with schools and stakeholders across the country and I have been instrumental in supporting the growth of the Nigerian student population at Ulster University.
Offers from Ulster University look great for students; can you elaborate on how the Nigerian population is embracing it?
Ulster University has seen a real growth in its Nigerian student population over the last number of years. We are delighted to have students from Nigeria at all study levels across our university, ranging from foundation programmes, bachelor degrees, and master degrees through to PhD research across many of our faculties and schools. We are able to attract students because Ulster is consistently regarded as one of the most outward-looking institutions in the world, and has earned an international reputation for research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ulster University stands today as one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic and innovative universities, with a spirit that transforms lives, stretches minds and raises ambition. We enjoy a national and international reputation for excellence in teaching and research while simultaneously playing a leading role in the enrichment of the social, economic, and cultural life of Northern Ireland.
Being able to work while studying is a major preoccupation of foreign students; what can you say about the system in Northern Ireland?
Nigerian students who choose to study at Ulster University will benefit from being on a UK study visa that permits part-time work whilst studying. It is extremely important that our students’ primary focus is their studies and commitment to their chosen course. We do support the associated benefits of being able to work part-time in a new country. It allows a student to earn some money towards day-to-day expenses, understand the working culture of a new country, integrate with local people, learn new skills and meet new friends and colleagues. Many of our Nigerian students do secure part-time work in hospitality, retail and healthcare sectors.
What funding options are available to foreign students from this part of the world?
Ulster University are proud to have a diverse student population from Over 100 countries around the world. To ensure we continue to have a diverse community on campus we do offer scholarship discounts to our international applicants. Details of any scholarships are kept updated on our website.
Noting its history, how far back did Ulster University become a regular destination for students from continents such as Africa, Asia and others?
With a history dating back to the 1800s, Ulster University stands today as one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic and innovative universities, with a spirit that transforms lives, stretches minds and raises ambition. Ulster is consistently regarded as one of the most outward-looking institutions in the world, and has earned an international reputation for research excellence, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We continue to create transformational learning and research opportunities that inspire, develop and support our students and staff to reach new horizons. Ulster University has had international connections for many years. We are proud to have students and staff from all over the world.
What sites and exciting locations should students looking to choose the university look forward to?
We are a multi-campus institution with three campuses across Northern Ireland and a total student population of over 30,000. We offer both city and rural campus locations in Northern Ireland specialising in study areas of Business, Life & Health Sciences, Arts Humanities & Social Sciences, Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment. This means we benefit from being able to provide a study environment in both city and rural locations. One of the biggest attractions for choosing to study at our university is that the local population is small and therefore not intimidating or overwhelming for a visitor. Northern Ireland has beautiful landscape and scenery with many coastal and forest walks. The most common observation that our students from Nigeria make is about the people of Northern Ireland, they are welcoming and very friendly.
Stability in terms of policies remains a concern for students coming to the UK. How should this make the university a consideration for students from Nigeria?
Nigerian students who choose to study at Ulster University have access to a range of support services during their studies. In fact, support begins during the application process to study with us. We have an accommodation team, visa compliance team, student advisory team, student well-being team, a welcome and orientation team, a student’s union and a careers service team. These services provide a solid foundation that allows all Nigerian students the best possible opportunity to do well in their studies and enjoy their international experience in the UK.
How would you rate the university in terms of international profile?
In 2016, Ulster University embarked upon an ambitious strategic plan that places Global Vision at its core. We are now living that strategy, having extended partnership links in 36 countries, with more than 225,000 alumni located in 154 countries across the world. Ulster has a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation, and regional engagement, making a major contribution to economic, social and cultural development. We have established ourselves as a world-class study destination for international students who have chosen Ulster, not only because of the quality of our teaching and research, but because of the beauty, warmth, and friendliness of Northern Ireland.
Can you throw light on the university’s achievements so far?
Over the past decade, Ulster University has cultivated a strong and dynamic relationship with Nigeria, welcoming an increasing number of Nigerian students each year. The university’s diverse and inclusive campus environment has been greatly enriched by the cultural contributions and academic excellence of its Nigerian student body. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a robust curriculum, and a faculty comprised of leading experts in various fields. These attributes ensure that Nigerian students receive a top-tier education that equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen careers. Ulster University proudly hosts an African Society that celebrates African culture and the contributions of our African student community. Our Nigerian students, in particular, serve as vibrant ambassadors for the university. Their active participation in university events, welcome days, community engagements, and successful job placements in local industries highlight the valuable skills and training they gain from their studies.
How has the university provided succour for its Nigerian students?
We take immense pride in welcoming Nigerian students to our university, as well as remain committed to supporting and providing a platform for Nigerian students seeking international education opportunities. Ulster University will always strive to be a beacon for those looking to expand their horizons and achieve academic excellence abroad.