By Fatima Ndagi | Abuja
Nigeria and Sweden have entered a new era of bilateral cooperation focused on youth empowerment, inclusive education, and grassroots development, as the 2025 Nigeria–Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group Summit opened Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The summit, themed “Strengthening Bilateral Relationship through Education, Trade, Investment, and Political Diplomacy,” convened lawmakers, diplomats, development experts, and civil society leaders to explore people-driven diplomacy and joint development strategies.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Eileen Cheng, co-founder of the African University Incubator Ecosystem (AUIE) and a Silicon Valley-based strategist, announced new global scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. She underscored the pivotal role of youth in shaping global futures, declaring, “Those who invest in the youth own the future.”
Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, Chairman of the Nigeria–Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group, described the summit as “more than a diplomatic milestone.” He said the gathering launched a collaborative journey aimed at education reform, agricultural investment, health systems strengthening, and youth development.
“We want Nigeria to be a lighthouse—guiding sustainable and inclusive international partnerships,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Grace Adayilo, the first female Head of Civil Service in the FCT, called for grassroots-centered diplomacy, arguing that meaningful development must begin at the local level.
“Empowering civil servants at the grassroots is how diplomacy becomes real to the people,” she said.
Key institutional partnerships were unveiled during the summit:
Nasarawa State University’s Bruno Morales Institute of European Studies launched a postgraduate exchange programme with top Swedish universities.
Minnesota State University introduced a tri-continental research collaboration focused on climate resilience and youth entrepreneurship.
In a move supporting Nigerian students abroad, NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, announced that the examination body is now equipped to conduct standardized exams for Nigerian students residing in Sweden.
“Every Nigerian child deserves equal access to quality education—regardless of geography,” Wushishi emphasized.
UNESCO Nigeria’s Oyebukola Adeleye commended Sweden’s ongoing support of the Our Rights, Our Life, Our Future initiative, which has helped thousands of girls stay in school through advocacy and training.
In the innovation space, EdTech founder Ismail Eleburuike announced that his digital education platform, SchoolTry, has now reached over 500 schools across five countries. Green tech advocate Olabode Sowunmi encouraged Nigerian youth to explore opportunities in the global green economy with Sweden as a strategic partner.
On a cultural note, the event celebrated culinary diplomacy with the unveiling of the Nigeria–Sweden Fusion Cookbook, curated by the Swedish ambassador’s residence chef—a symbol of shared tastes and cross-cultural appreciation.
Her Royal Majesty Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi delivered a passionate appeal for inclusive education, warning that Nigeria’s demographic boom must be met with equitable learning access.
“We are sitting on a demographic goldmine. Education is the key to unlock it,” she said.
The summit also honoured key figures in advancing Nigeria–Sweden relations:
Prof. Wushishi received the Ambassadorial Award for Partnership.
Hon. Osawemwenhio Uwagboe, Minority Leader of the 6th Nigeria Youth Parliament, was awarded the Global Emerging Leader in Development Diplomacy honor.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Annika Hahn Englund, was celebrated for her transformative three-year diplomatic tenure.
The summit ended on a high note, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to building a more just, educated, and youth-focused world through shared values and strategic collaboration.