British Council backs Nigerian creatives

The British Council has once again made clear its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s creative industry and education sector, pledging to strengthen long-term partnerships that can help unlock opportunities for young people, educators, and cultural innovators. This renewed promise came during the 2025 edition of Creative Economy Week in Lagos, an event that brought together artists, cultural hubs, industry leaders, policymakers, private sector players, and investors to explore ways of boosting skills and growth in the country’s creative ecosystem.

Andona McConnell, the Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, explained that the organisation’s approach is about building sustainable impact, not just temporary projects. She highlighted that the Council’s work is deeply collaborative, drawing strength from working closely with policymakers, schools, communities, and creative talents. According to her, the Council’s biggest source of inspiration is the web of connections it has been able to nurture across different levels of society.

McConnell, who has spent over three decades working with the British Council in countries like Zambia, Lebanon, and Vietnam, said her global experience informs her work but does not replace local expertise. She stressed that her role is not to impose foreign solutions but to listen to Nigerians and amplify the knowledge and creativity that already exist in the country. She noted that every country has unique needs, and in Nigeria, her focus has been on learning first and then co-creating solutions with Nigerian colleagues and partners.

When it comes to the creative sector, McConnell praised the energy and originality of Nigerian talent, saying that the British Council’s role is to create platforms that can take these talents to global audiences. She gave examples such as the Council’s support for Nigerian designers at Africa Fashion Week London, which has helped shine a spotlight on local fashion innovators in front of international buyers and media. She made it clear that the Council cannot do everything, but what it can do is provide the right channels for creatives to connect, learn from one another, and gain the global exposure that can change their careers.

As part of its strategy to strengthen local networks, the Council has launched the Creative Showcase Programme, which uses its offices and spaces across Nigeria as venues for performances, networking events, and collaborative projects. These events allow creative practitioners to meet, share ideas, and build partnerships that might otherwise be out of reach. For many young artists and cultural entrepreneurs, this kind of access is often what makes the difference between staying invisible and breaking through.

The British Council’s focus is not only on the creative industry but also on Nigeria’s education sector, which McConnell described as a critical pillar for sustainable development. She stressed that teacher training and leadership development are at the heart of the Council’s educational initiatives. By equipping teachers and school leaders with the skills they need to adapt and grow, the Council hopes to raise the overall quality of learning outcomes for students across the country. McConnell said the impact of this work goes far beyond classrooms, since better education builds stronger societies and economies in the long run.

Stakeholders at Creative Economy Week welcomed the British Council’s efforts, pointing out that Nigeria’s creative industry has always been full of talent but often lacks structure and access to international markets. They also highlighted how the Council’s consistent investment in teacher training has created ripples of positive change in schools. By focusing on creativity and education side by side, the British Council is trying to address both immediate opportunities for young Nigerians and the long-term need for a solid foundation that can sustain growth.

Nigeria’s creative industry is already one of the most dynamic on the continent, with Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion commanding global recognition. But the sector faces challenges such as limited funding, insufficient training, and a lack of infrastructure. With partners like the British Council stepping in to bridge some of these gaps, there is hope that the industry can continue to grow in ways that benefit not only individual artists but also the wider economy. The same is true for education, where the Council’s training programmes are helping to tackle long-standing issues around teacher quality and student performance.

In her closing remarks at the Lagos event, McConnell said the British Council’s mission is not about short-term wins but about building long-term systems of collaboration that will keep benefiting Nigerians long after the programmes themselves are completed. She emphasised that the Council’s work is rooted in a belief in the potential of young people and the power of culture and education to transform societies.

By doubling down on its support for Nigeria’s creatives and educators, the British Council is sending a clear message that it sees the country not just as a participant in global culture but as a leader whose influence will continue to grow. Whether through fashion, music, film, or innovative education projects, Nigeria’s story is one of resilience and brilliance, and with the right support, it has the potential to inspire the world even more.