Lahore (TDI): British High Commission in Lahore has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), initiating the process of bringing United Kingdom’s Buckinghamshire New University to Punjab.
Head of Lahore Office of the British High Commission, Ben Warrington, posted on X about the meeting that took place between the two sides.
“Buckinghamshire New University has a vision to expand into Pakistan. Bringing skills-based UK standard learning through a new campus here in Punjab,” he wrote.
Great first day back in the office.
Buckinghamshire New University has a vision to expand into Pakistan. Bringing skills-based UK standard learning through a new campus here in Punjab. Yesterday’s MoU agreement brings that closer. Can’t wait to see the plans come to life! pic.twitter.com/YHoIWWJPSC
— Ben Warrington (@BWarringtonFCDO) April 8, 2025
Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) and the International Center of Excellence (ICE) were also among the signatories of the MoU.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Collaborations of the Buckinghamshire New University, Sarah Williams and Ejaz Ashraf, Executive Director of ICE were the respective representatives present during the meeting.
RUDA was represented by its CEO, Imran Amin, who expressed hope that the foundation of Buckinghamshire New University will soon be laid in Lahore, once the formalities are completed.
Sarah Williams, speaking on the occasion, expressed enthusiasm for this landmark partnership between Pakistan and UK. She said that the opening of BNU’s campus will elevate the higher education landscape in Punjab.
The new campus will offer programs that are globally recognized, in addition to vocational training and incubation centers.
BNU started off as the School of Science and Art in in High Wycombe in Frogmoor Gardens, in 1891. Today, it is one of UK’s most-prominent public sector institute of higher learning.
Educational exchange and collaboration between Pakistan and the United Kingdom go back a long. As part of its Commonwealth patronage, UK not only provides higher education scholarships to Pakistani students but also maintains year round educational activity through the British Council.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
