German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called for deeper educational and cultural exchanges between Germany and Nigeria, saying stronger collaboration between universities, researchers and young people would further strengthen relations between both countries.
Wadephul made the call on Tuesday at an official reception hosted by the German Consulate in Lagos in honour of his visit to Nigeria.
The minister’s African tour, his third to the continent in 2026, began in Mauritania on Monday and is scheduled to conclude in South Africa on Friday.
As part of his visit, Wadephul is expected to meet Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for high-level bilateral talks aimed at strengthening longstanding ties between both nations.
He said education and people-to-people exchanges remained central to the relationship between Germany and Nigeria, which has spanned 65 years of diplomatic relations.
“The number of university partnerships between our countries has grown significantly. Today we are looking proudly on over 50 partnerships.
“The number of Nigerian students in Germany has quadrupled in the last 10 years. We need more of that, including more opportunities to learn German as a foreign language,” he said.
Wadephul disclosed that the Goethe-Institut in Lagos, currently undergoing renovation, would provide a modern hub for academic and cultural engagement upon completion.
He added that the institute had also commenced German language classes in Abuja to broaden access to language education.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s youthful and vibrant information technology sector offered significant opportunities for cooperation in innovation, technology and skills development.
While identifying education as a key pillar of bilateral engagement, he said Germany remained committed to expanding collaboration with Nigeria in security, trade and energy.
Wadephul described Nigeria as one of Germany’s most important partners in Africa and beyond, noting that both countries shared common values, including democracy, freedom, peace and respect for international law.
“When Europe’s largest economy and Africa’s most populous nation and economic power come together, good things can happen, provided we stand together and work together,” he said.
