NCUK has been operating in Nigeria for eight years, but now plans to expand there according to chief executive Jean Krasocki. “Brookstone is one of three new centres we are opening in Nigeria in 2013, which in turn is only part of our major expansion plans worldwide,” she said.

“This will give them a presence in what has been a difficult to access region”

NCUK is owned by 11 northern English universities including the University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester. Students who take pass the IFY are assured a place at the owner universities, although a further 14 institutions recognise it.

NCUK has 30 delivery centres in countries such as Russia, China and Kenya. Krasocki said: “Our university partners always welcome new centres, especially when they demonstrate a commitment to providing good quality academic outcomes.

“In this case they will be doubly pleased as this will give them a presence in what has been a difficult to access region.”

Brookstone’s first cohort of IFY students will commence their studies in September 2013, with the first successful graduates joining their chosen university programmes in October 2014.

NCUK universities include: University of Bradford; University of Huddersfield; University of Leeds; Leeds Metropolitan University; University of Liverpool; Liverpool John Moores University; University of Manchester; Manchester Metropolitan University; University of Salford; University of Sheffield; Sheffield Hallam University.