Nigeria, Sweden Collaborate On Youth Empowerment, Education

Nigeria and Sweden have launched a renewed bilateral cooperation initiative focused on youth empowerment, inclusive education, and grassroots development, signaling a shift toward people-centered diplomacy.

The initiative was unveiled at the 2025 Nigeria-Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group Summit, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The event, themed “Strengthening Bilateral Relationship through Education, Trade, Investment, and Political Diplomacy,” drew high-level participants including lawmakers, diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders.

In a keynote address, Dr. Eileen Cheng, a U.S.-based innovation strategist and co-founder of the African University Incubator Ecosystem (AUIE), announced new global scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students.

She emphasized the need for deeper partnerships aimed at investing in Africa’s youth.

“Those who invest in the youth own the future,” Cheng said to widespread applause.

Chairman of the Nigeria-Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, said the summit would serve as a launchpad for deeper collaboration across critical sectors including education, agriculture, health, energy, and digital transformation.

“This is not just diplomacy — it is a movement toward inclusive, sustainable development that benefits real people,” he said.

The summit also saw new institutional agreements as the Bruno Morales Institute of European Studies at Nasarawa State University announced a postgraduate exchange programme with Swedish universities, while Minnesota State University introduced a joint research project involving Nigeria, Sweden, and the U.S. on climate resilience and entrepreneurship.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) also revealed that it now has the capacity to administer exams to Nigerian students residing in Sweden.

NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi said the move aims to ensure educational equity for Nigerians abroad.

In the tech sector, EdTech startup SchoolTry said it shared its expansion into five countries, serving more than 500 schools.

The Founder Ismail Eleburuike said Sweden’s innovation ecosystem could further enhance Nigerian digital education.

Also speaking, the Clean-tech advocate Olabode Sowunmi also encouraged Nigerian youths to position themselves for opportunities in Sweden’s green economy.

As part of the cultural exchange, the summit unveiled the Nigeria-Sweden Fusion Cookbook, created by the chef at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence.

The cookbook celebrates culinary diplomacy and shared heritage.

Awards were also presented to individuals contributing to Nigeria-Sweden relations.

Ambassador Annika Hahn Englund was also honoured for her diplomatic services.

Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, minority leader of the Nigeria Youth Parliament, also received the “Emerging Leader in Development Diplomacy” award while Prof. Wushishi was named a “Partnership Ambassador” for educational leadership.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji