Nigeria and Sweden have officially launched a renewed era of bilateral cooperation focused on youth empowerment, inclusive education, and grassroots development, signaling a shift toward people-centered diplomacy and sustainable partnerships.
This strategic pivot was unveiled at the 2025 Nigeria-Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group Summit held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The summit, themed “Bilateral Relationship through Education, Trade, Investment, and Political Diplomacy,” brought together lawmakers, diplomats, academics, civil society leaders, and innovators to strengthen ties across sectors.
Chairman of the Nigeria-Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, hailed the summit as more than a diplomatic engagement. “This is the beginning of a collaborative journey. We envision Nigeria as a lighthouse guiding meaningful international partnerships,” he said.
In a rousing keynote, Dr. Eileen Cheng, Silicon Valley strategist and Co-founder of the African University Incubator Ecosystem (AUIE), unveiled global scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students and called for urgent investment in youth. “Those who invest in the youth own the future,” she declared.
From the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Grace Adayilo, Head of Civil Service, emphasized that effective diplomacy begins at the grassroots and urged support for community-level civil servants.
Education featured prominently at the summit. NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, announced the council's new capacity to conduct standardized exams for Nigerian students in Sweden, ensuring educational inclusion for diaspora children.
UNESCO Nigeria’s Oyebukola Tomori Adeleye praised Sweden’s support for the “Our Rights, Our Life, Our Future” initiative, which has helped thousands of Nigerian girls remain in school through training, rights advocacy, and mentorship.
Technology and sustainability were also in focus. Ismail Eleburuike, EdTech entrepreneur and founder of SchoolTry, highlighted the platform’s reach across five countries and 500+ schools. Meanwhile, Olabode Sowunmi, a clean-tech advocate, urged Nigerian youths to tap into Sweden’s green economy expertise to power Africa’s sustainable development.
In a blend of diplomacy and culture, the Nigeria-Sweden Fusion Cookbook was unveiled—a culinary collaboration curated by the Swedish Ambassador’s residence chef to reflect shared experiences and mutual cultural appreciation.
Traditional ruler HRM Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi delivered a passionate plea for inclusive education and youth-focused investments. “Nigeria is standing at the edge of a demographic boom. We must educate to unlock its promise,” she said.
The summit also featured groundbreaking academic partnerships:
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The Bruno Morales Institute of European Studies at Nasarawa State University announced new postgraduate exchange programmes with Swedish universities.
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Minnesota State University, U.S., revealed a three-country research collaboration with Nigeria and Sweden focusing on climate resilience and entrepreneurship.
As the summit closed, it was clear that this new phase of Nigeria-Sweden relations goes beyond diplomacy—it’s about building a future where youth, education, and innovation are the currency of shared progress.
