Nigeria and China are strengthening cooperation in technology and innovation through youth exchange programmes aimed at boosting skills transfer, digital development and long-term bilateral relations. The initiative, according to the partners, is part of efforts to deepen practical collaboration in education, innovation and capacity building among young people.
Seminar Highlights Shared Future
The development was highlighted yesterday in Abuja at the China-Nigeria Youth Exchange Seminar on China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria. The seminar brought together government officials, diplomats, students and National Youth Service Corps members to explore how both countries can expand collaboration in education, technology and cultural exchange.
Chinese Minister Counsellor's Address
In his keynote address, Chinese Minister Counsellor Zhou Hongyou said China and Africa, including Nigeria, were 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 were aimed at improving market access for African products and strengthening 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.
Nigerian Official's Perspective
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' Experiences
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.
