By Fatima Ndagi Abuja
Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties through youth development, inclusive education, and grassroots diplomacy as the 2025 Nigeria–Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group Summit opened at the National Assembly, Abuja.
With the theme “Strengthening Bilateral Relationship through Education, Trade, Investment, and Political Diplomacy,” the summit brought together lawmakers, diplomats, scholars, youth leaders, and civil society stakeholders to explore new areas of collaboration between both nations.
In her keynote address, Dr. Eileen Cheng, Silicon Valley strategist and co-founder of the African University Incubator Ecosystem (AUIE), announced new global scholarship schemes for Nigerian students.
“When you invest in youth, you secure the future,” she said, drawing wide applause.
Chairman of the Nigeria–Sweden Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, described the summit as a turning point in Nigeria’s international engagement.
“This is not just diplomacy—it’s people-centered progress,” he stated. “We are building sustainable partnerships based on equity and mutual benefit.”
Also speaking, Dr. Grace Adayilo, FCT’s first female Head of Civil Service, stressed the need for local-level empowerment and urged inclusive diplomacy.
“True diplomacy begins in our communities,” she said.
Key institutional announcements underscored the summit’s impact:
The Bruno Morales Institute of European Studies at Nasarawa State University launched a new postgraduate exchange programme with Swedish institutions.
Minnesota State University introduced a three-country research partnership on climate innovation and entrepreneurship.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, revealed that the exam body is now positioned to serve Nigerian students in Sweden by conducting standardized tests abroad.
“Every Nigerian child must have access to quality assessment—no matter where they live,” he affirmed.
The summit also highlighted Sweden’s contributions to Nigeria’s education reform. UNESCO Nigeria’s Oyebukola Adeleye applauded the Nordic country for supporting initiatives like Our Rights, Our Life, Our Future, which has helped thousands of girls stay in school.
On the tech front, SchoolTry CEO Ismail Eleburuike shared the platform’s expansion into five African countries, while clean-tech advocate Olabode Sowunmi encouraged youth to explore Swedish-backed green economy ventures.
A cultural highlight was the unveiling of the Nigeria–Sweden Fusion Cookbook, a culinary collaboration symbolizing mutual respect and cultural exchange.
Her Royal Majesty Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi made a passionate call for inclusive education:
“Nigeria’s demographic edge must be matched with access to