The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I., Tuesday, March 10, 2026—In the wake of the emerging CARICOM–African Union solidarity and commitment to deep economic and cultural collaboration, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) welcomed to its Regional Headquarters in Jamaica, a delegation of 23 newly appointed Vice-Chancellors from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU). Over three days, The UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles and his team of five Campus Principals, three Pro Vice-Chancellors and other executives engaged the academic leaders in wide-ranging discussions central to university management, including strategic planning, global partnerships, financial efficiency and accountability, programme quality, accreditation, and university rankings.
A significant outcome of the retreat held between February 10-12, was a historic MoU that will serve as the foundation for targeted, educational and academic collaboration. Together, The UWI and the CVCNU aim to strengthen global rankings and visibility; advance research and innovation; develop sustainable financing models; deepen cultural ties; and expand capacity in digital learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Commenting on the potential for transforming Africa-Caribbean higher education collaboration, Vice-Chancellor Beckles said, “As we mark this important moment with our Nigerian contemporaries, we draw on shared heritage and a common vision for the future. Together, however, we are also especially pleased with the potential of this framework to become an established model that can serve as a pattern for how we explore, share knowledge and solve problems that are common to the wider African continent and the diaspora.”
Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of CVCNU—the recognised umbrella body for Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria’s federal, state, and private universities—also highlighted the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation in higher education between the two regions. Emphasising the significance of this milestone as the first MOU he has signed since assuming the role of Secretary General, he remarked, “We welcome this landmark partnership with The University of the West Indies as a strategic step toward building a structured and impactful Africa–Caribbean higher education alliance. This Memorandum of Understanding moves us beyond historic ties into practical collaboration in research, digital innovation, academic exchange, and sustainable development, while strengthening global visibility and institutional capacity on both sides. It reflects our shared commitment to inclusive growth, knowledge co-creation, and a model of cooperation that can inspire broader South–South engagement”.
At the Summit, senior leaders from The UWI and the 22-member delegation of Nigerian Vice-Chancellors committed to translating their dialogue into a mutually beneficial, formal agreement and actionable programmes. Under the emergent MoU, specific areas of cooperation will include artificial intelligence education; digital policy development and implementation; sustainable development, climate, health and energy; cultural studies; education and teaching; agriculture and environment; and technology and scientific innovation.
Caribbean and Africa-based staff, students and researchers can expect to benefit from a full range of educational and academic activities, including joint research, academic programmes and publications; faculty and student exchange programmes; scholarships and internships; and activities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The MOU, with operational oversight by co-Coordinators Ms Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Affairs, The UWI and Dr Sylverina Olaghere, Assistant Secretary-General, Projects, Programmes and Training, CVCNU, is in force for an initial period of three years and is renewable thereafter by mutual agreement.
(Left to right) Ms Sandrea Maynard, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The UWI; Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The UWI; Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General, CVCNU; and Dr Sylverina Olaghere, Assistant Secretary-General, Projects, Programmes and Training, CVCNU, display the signed MOU.
(Left to right) Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, and Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of CVCNU, sign the agreement as Mrs Delrene Liverpool-Young, University General Counsel for The UWI, looks on.
(Left to right) Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, and Professor Andrew Haruna, Secretary General of CVCNU, seal the agreement with a handshake.
About The University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.
Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.
Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.
The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.
