University of the Third Age – U3A Nigeria
Learning | Sharing | Making Friends
Empowering Lifelong Learning and Cultural Heritage in Nigeria and Beyond
Cultural and Heritage are unique and fragile. Therefore, it is fundamental that University of the Third Age Stakeholders develop these heritage while protecting and preserving them for the long term.
The extraordinary growth in worldwide Senior Population has fundamental implications: while U3A can be a vehicle for both Education and Culture (EC).
Awareness of Education and Cultural exchange and cooperation is growing within the University of the Third Age World Development. The personal Compulsion to visit each other is highly influenced by their specific knowledge or previous experience of similar places, as much as the messages they have absorbed from friends and relatives, from the Media, or through travel promotions. U3A Communication adds values by building understanding and emotional attachment.
Visiting U3A can be an intrinsic part of trip and a major motivator for selecting a destination. Friends from other U3As will often be the best of a Country and can constitute a gateway to large knowledge of a Country. U3A experience that were once limited to a relatively small number of people are now within the reach of Millions. One of the pillars of U3A International Cooperation has been Mankind’s inherent desire to see and learn about the Cultural identity of different parts of the world
NIGERIA-FRENCH INTERNATIIONAL- U3A
U3As around the world are made up of people who care about Older Adults Learning.
They include Professors, Researchers, Doctors, Gerontologists/ Geriatricians, Tourism/Technical Experts and other Professionals.
They meet to exchange ideas, Experiences, Exhibitions and Feed Back Sessions.
They publish Reports and make Presentations.
They are concerned about Lifelong Learning for all (LLL), International co- operation/Intergenerational relations among others.
The first University of the third Age was established in 1973 in Toulouse, France, and now exist in 85 Countries. It marked it’s 50 Years of existence in 2023.
The Umbrella Organization of U3AS throughout the World, is the Association of International Universities of the Third Age, AIUTA, Founded in 1975.
It celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary in March 2025.
The Association of International Universities of the Third Age (AIUTA), is in working Relationship with The World Health Organization, (WHO), The International Labour Organization, (ILO), The United Nations, (UN), The European Council and UNESCO Respectively.
The Nigeria – French International U3A is a Division of AIUTA supported by a Network of 85 Country U3As in Six Continents to promote Gerontology as a Course of Study in Universities and other Higher related Institutions Globally.
About U3A Nigeria
U3A NIGERIA is an Educational Services Body, registered with the cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria and formally granted a Charter Status in 2018.
U3A NIGERIA is an Adult Learner Organization which makes use of Retired peoples’ Skills and interest to benefit both the Senior Citizens and the Youth in their Communities.
One of the main goals of U3A NIGERIA is the promotion of Sustainable Peace through Education, Culture and Tourism as part of its efforts to contribute to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) to eradicate poverty by 2030.
U3A NIGERIA runs it’s Independent Curricular based on its perceived needs and strived to be the change we wish to see not only in Nigeria but in Africa and worldwide; because we believe, Global problems need Global Solutions.
Our International co-operation is very strong as we extend our activities and development Nationally and Internationally through various contacts.
Our Philosophy is Lifelong Learning (LLL) for all.
At U3A NIGERIA, we bridge the gap between the Youth and Senior Citizens to Curb Elderly Abuse.
We help about revival of the old Cultural Values, leading to attitudinal change and re-orientate the Youth.
People are encouraged to do their delayed Studies with U3A NIGERIA.
Elderly persons need activities to develop their Knowledge, Skills and abilities of everyday programmes of Social, Community and Spiritual Life.
Not only this, at U3A NIGERIA, we establish Research and Educational Partnership with Universities, Health Authorities, the Government and the Seniors’ Groups.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists is our big Partner in promoting U3As Movement and our Diploma in Gerontology which had been approved for Nigerian Young Graduates and Health Practitioners and also accepted globally.
The Meaning of our U3A NIGERIA is Learning, Sharing and Making Friends
Our Global Reach
U3A Nigeria is part of an international network of 85 countries under AIUTA,
Our Partners
- El-Roi London University /El-Roi London Academy (UK)
- University of Toulouse (France)
- Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State
- Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, Oyo State
We are actively developing U3As in Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and other English-speaking African countries
As a College of AIUTA, the following Courses have been approved:
Gerontology
Drama & Theatre Arts
Music
Tourism & Travel
Health Care Management
Interpersonal Mental Health
Pre-Retirement Education
Lifelong Learning Courses
The goal is to reach expectation from the work forces and to help Young Graduates and other Health Personnel to Study Gerontology and eventually, take it up as a career, create Employment and Reduce Poverty in the last segment of life.
This initiative is not only good for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole, involving University Dons, The Armed Forces and the Police.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION
- The Diploma Course is Multi-disciplinary, assessed as a Post Graduate Level Standard Qualification and a pathway to Higher Qualification in Gerontology and Geriatrics of Eight (8) Modules suitable for all Professions Associated with Health.
- Most entrants will have a degree or an HND from a recognized University or a Polytechnic, but Applications will be considered from those without a Degree who have suitable Professional Qualifications and Experience.
- A Number of the Diploma Modules are also offered as short Courses of 4 – 12 Weeks Duration.
- Note:- The Diploma had been assessed by the Department of Social Work University of Ibadan, as a Post Graduate Standard Qualification in Gerontology/ Geriatrics and Allied Programmes in the Health Sector.
Why Choose U3A Nigeria?
- Build friendships and community relations through knowledge exchange
- Contribute to elderly care, peace building, and cultural heritage
- Join a global network of U3As in 85+ countries
- Flexible learning formats: Online | In-person | Short Courses
- Learn from seasoned Professionals and Professors
Impact & Legacy
We create spaces where seniors and youth learn, share, and grow together.
We fight elderly abuse, promote cultural identity, and support mental, social, and spiritual well-being through inclusive education
Meet Our Academic Advisory Board Members
PROF. FRANCOIS VELLAS, PhD,
GLOBAL PRESIDENT – ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES OF THE THIRD AGE – AIUTA.
PROF. AFOLABI CHARLES ISRAEL JP, DBA, FFCS
President, U3A Nigeria & AIUTA High Representative for Nigeria.
AMB. PROF. OLUWAFEMI ESAN PhD
ABIODUN AYODELE , ESQ.
LEGAL ATTORNEY
REV. FR. RICHARD OMOLADE, PhD,
JANKA CHLADECKA, MBA, PhD.
