UNILAG Partners with International Metaverse Association Japan to Pioneer AI and Digital Learning Collaboration

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has opened its 5th International Week with a groundbreaking development for its students, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the International Metaverse Association Japan (IMA Japan) and its Nigerian partners to the University’s management.

The visit, held on Monday, October 13, 2025, marks a significant step toward advancing digital learning and academic exchange between Japan and Nigeria.

Led by Hiromi Komuro, Vice President of IMA Japan, the delegation included Alhaji Usman Mohammed, Chairman of M7 Technologies, as well as international partners Mr. Wayne and Mr. Samson. Their mission was to discuss collaboration on an AI Technology Online Education Programme aimed at transforming global digital education.

At the Senate House, the delegation was warmly received by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Folabi Lesi, FNAMed, alongside Prof. Matthew Ilori, Director of Academic Affairs, and UNILAG’s AI specialists Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa and Dr. Chika Banjo.

Global Platform for AI and Metaverse Learning

The proposed AI Technology Online Education Programme, hosted by IMA Japan, is a collaboration among Waseda University (Japan), the IEEE Digital Transformation Consortium Japan, the Rodin Art Foundation (USA), and M7 Technologies (Nigeria).

The initiative seeks to develop AI-powered online learning platforms, metaverse-based classrooms, and virtual international exchange systems—all geared toward expanding global access to high-quality digital education.

According to Hiromi Komuro, the partnership “represents not only educational innovation but also a new chapter in Japan–Nigeria friendship.”

This collaboration is expected to become a cornerstone for long-term cooperation in digital education, research exchange, and cross-cultural understanding between both nations.

UNILAG’s Strength in AI Research

In his remarks, Professor Folabi Lesi praised the initiative, reaffirming UNILAG’s readiness to collaborate on the programme. He noted that the visit was particularly timely, coinciding with UNILAG’s recent recognition as Nigeria’s No. 1 university by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

Professor Lesi emphasized that the achievement reflects the university’s growing leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) research. He further disclosed that the next phase would involve formalizing the collaboration through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and aligning academic schedules to facilitate seamless student and faculty exchanges.

About IMA Japan

The International Metaverse Association Japan (IMA Japan) is a non-profit organization focused on promoting metaverse technology, digital transformation, and international cooperation in education, culture, and innovation.

The proposed partnership with UNILAG signals a new frontier in AI-driven education and reaffirms the university’s global vision to prepare its students for the future of learning and innovation.