Universities from across the world converged on Awka, Anambra State, for the maiden edition of the Integral Development Konsult (IDK) Global Education Fair (IGEF 2025), themed “The Future of International Education in Nigeria: Unlocking Global University Opportunities for Nigerian Students.”
The event also marked the unveiling of the IDK University Pathways International Study Centre and the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) 2025, attracting educators, policymakers, top international university representatives, students, friends and partners of the Managing Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of the IDK Group, Mrs. Chinwe Nweke.
Enduring vision and dedication
In his speech during the opening ceremony, the distinguished guest of honour and Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, commended the CEO of IDK Group and his immediate younger sister, Mrs. Nweke for her resilience and pursuit of a long-held vision. He traced the birth of IDK to 1998 when she resigned from the federal civil service to establish the organisation.
“We were the first generation of educated persons in our family, and our parents had high expectations. We wanted her to stay in the civil service and become a Permanent Secretary,” he recalled.
“But at 40, she called me in the UK to say she wanted to quit her job. I was perturbed but eventually consented. Today, seeing this dream blossom gives me joy.”
He praised the UK International Foundation Year programme, which bridges the gap between students’ secondary education and university studies abroad.
“Having it here in Awka reduces the cost of studying in the UK by 70 to 80%. It helps students mature before travelling and equips them with learning skills aligned with global university standards,” he said.
Solving the problem of unregulated agents
In her remarks, the special guest of honour and Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described IDK’s initiative as a solution to a long-standing problem faced by Nigerian youths seeking overseas education.
“IDK is addressing a major challenge confronting our youths who desire foreign education. Many have been duped or defrauded by unregulated agents,” she said.
“With IDK NCUK University Pathways International Study Centre now in Awka and the Southeast, that era is over. Children who wish to travel abroad will no longer be at the mercy of agents.”
The unique guest of honour, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) and former education commissioner, Prof. Kate Omenugha, described her excitement as “an understatement.”
“When Mrs. Nweke came back to start IDK, she opened my eyes to many possibilities. Together, we launched the first online teachers’ conference in Anambra State—something we never imagined was possible,” she recalled.
“Her passion and creativity are amazing. IDK provides a real pathway to international studies. This indeed is the beginning of many beginnings.”
A landmark for education in Anambra
Chairman of the occasion, Member Representing Aguata 1 and Chairman of the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Emmanuel Anayo Okpalaeke, said the education fair marked a landmark moment in the state’s educational journey.
“This centre will not only produce globally competitive graduates but will also serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and excellence,” he said.
NCUK endorses partnership
Representing the CEO of NCUK- the University consortium based in the UK, the Client Success Manager, Roche Weyer, described the unveiling of the IDK University Pathways International Study Centre in Awka as the newest addition to NCUK’s global network.
“This is an exciting moment not only for IDK but also for NCUK. From Awka, students can now access the International Foundation Year (IFY) Programme and obtain all necessary certifications,” Weyer stated.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Chinwe Nweke, CEO and Managing Consultant of IDK, expressed joy at the success of the inaugural fair and the unveiling of the centre.
“For far too long, global education has felt distant—accessible only to a privileged few. But today, we are bridging that gap through the IDK-NCUK International Foundation Year Programme,” she said.
International education closer
“We are bringing international education closer to our homes, our communities, and most importantly, to the dreams of our children.”
She announced that the International Foundation Year (IFY) Programme would commence on October 20, 2025, with enrolment already ongoing.
“This launch reminds us of what collaboration can achieve. By working with global partners and bringing international standards into our local community, we are proving that you don’t have to leave home before beginning your international education journey,” she said.
According to her, the NCUK IFY enables students in Anambra, the Southeast, and across Nigeria to begin their international education locally and seamlessly progress to leading universities in the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond—with guaranteed admission.
“At this fair, students are interacting directly with representatives from about 16 global institutions. Parents will find clarity, networks, and trusted pathways for their children’s aspirations,” Nweke added.
Encouraging participants to seize the opportunity, she said: “To our students—ask questions, explore, and connect. This is your chance to dream bigger and see yourselves as global citizens.
To parents—IDK provides trusted, internationally recognised education right here in Anambra, preparing your children to study successfully abroad.”
She called on school owners, education secretaries, and school managers to partner with IDK, noting that the NCUK partnership connects them to more than 60 universities worldwide.
Building knowledge and global competence
The fair also featured presentations on immigration and visa updates, financing international education, and guidance on scholarships, admissions, and career paths.
Participants, including secondary school students and graduates, engaged directly with IDK’s partner representatives and global education aggregators from the UK, Canada, South America, and Australia.
Internationally institutions present at the fair include: University of Leicester, University of Kent, University of Bradford, University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sussex, and University of the West of England.
Others are: Lancaster University, St. George’s University, University of Alberta, University of Ottawa, University of Keele, UNSW, Sydney, MSM Unify, University of Law.
Other institutions present were Solution Innovation District, Activ8 Hub and Jose Marie Academy.
The IDK Global Education Fair 2025 marked a major step toward positioning Anambra and the Southeast as a hub for international education pathways—opening global doors for Nigerian students while keeping them grounded in their local communities.
