Nigeria and China Explore Technology Partnership Through Youth Exchange
Nigeria and China are enhancing their collaboration in technology and innovation by promoting youth exchange programmes. These initiatives aim to boost skills transfer, digital development, and long-term bilateral relations. The partners stated that this effort is part of a broader strategy to deepen practical cooperation in education, innovation, and capacity building among young people.
The development was highlighted on Monday in Abuja at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, organized by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. The seminar brought together government officials, diplomats, students, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to explore how both countries can expand collaboration in education, technology, and cultural exchange.
In his keynote address, Chinese Minister Counsellor Zhou Hongyou said China and Africa, including Nigeria, are working to strengthen cooperation through practical engagement and people-to-people relations. He noted that the partnership has grown steadily over the years, with this year marking 55 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China, and 70 years of China-Africa relations.
Zhou said China remains committed to supporting development across Africa through wider cooperation in trade, education, and technology. “As China opens up further to the world, Africa always comes first,” he said, adding that recent policy steps aim to improve market access for African products and strengthen economic ties. He urged young people from both countries to take an active role in building stronger relations through innovation, learning, and exchange programmes. “Young people are the future of our nations and of China-Nigeria relations. I hope you will learn from one another and contribute to a shared future,” he said.
On his part, Director of Education and Youth Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Despan Kwardenm, described the seminar as an important step in building structured engagement between Nigerian and Chinese youths. He said both countries have large populations of young, skilled, and digitally aware citizens, making youth cooperation very important for future development. According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit from stronger technology exchange, especially in areas where Chinese expertise can support local innovation and skills development. “What we are looking at is how young Nigerians can move from using technology to understanding how it is developed,” he said. He added that areas such as Virtual Reality (VR), digital systems, and innovation training could become key parts of future exchange programmes.
Participants also shared experiences on culture, language, and technology during interactive sessions. An NYSC member, Alhassan Yauza, said the seminar exposed him to new ideas about Chinese culture and technology, noting that communication and exchange are key to international cooperation. Another corps member, Grace Abiodun, encouraged young Nigerians to prepare early for opportunities such as scholarships and training programmes, saying readiness is important to benefit from international partnerships.
