The Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has opened discussions with former Delaware Governor, Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, on potential partnerships aimed at advancing youth capacity development, innovation, and technology-driven economic growth in Nigeria.

The talks took place in Abuja on Tuesday when the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, hosted Hall-Long and her delegation.

According to the ministry, discussions centred on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to drive development in key sectors, particularly health and education.

Udeh said international partnerships remain critical to Nigeria’s ambition of building a competitive innovation ecosystem and equipping young people with the skills required in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to promote innovation through investments in research, entrepreneurship, and technology development, describing science and innovation as key drivers of economic transformation.

The minister also showcased the ministry’s flagship Energize Commercialization Now (ECoN) initiative, which seeks to bridge the gap between research and industry by converting innovations and inventions into commercially viable products and enterprises.

He stressed that Artificial Intelligence presents significant opportunities for improving service delivery and accelerating development across critical sectors.

Leading the delegation, former Senator Uche Ekwunife said the visit was designed to identify strategic areas of cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in the area of human capital development.

She noted that stronger partnerships would enhance knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and skills acquisition for Nigerian youths.

Hall-Long, who served as the 75th Governor of Delaware, commended Nigeria’s growing technology sector and expressed interest in supporting initiatives that promote the use of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and education.

The meeting also explored possible collaboration in digital innovation, entrepreneurship development, research exchange programmes, emerging technologies, and investment promotion.

Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.