By Gloria Irabor
The Korean Alumni Association of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Seoul National University (SNU) students in Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) and National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) of the Republic of Korea hosted a one-day national seminar in Abuja. The landmark event tagged “Strengthening Science and Technology: ICT and AI to the Rescue” , K-Link Nigeria 2025 was designed to strengthen Science, Technology and Innovation ( STI) collaboration between Nigeria and Korea.
Delivering his message on K-Link outcomes and perspectives, the president, KAIST and SNU Nigeria, Engr. Dr. Patricks Oghuma underscored the enduring collaboration between Nigeria and Korea in advancing science, technology, and innovation. He pointed out that the alumni association plays pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s eGovernment Masterplan, noting that Phase Two—launched in 2024 with support from Korea’s International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has been instrumental in driving inclusive digital service delivery, enhancing transparency and fostering cross-agency integration.
Dr. Oghuma emphasized that Nigeria–Korea partnerships in ICT and STI are already reshaping Nigeria’s digital landscape through initiatives such as the Nigeria–Korea Information Access Centre (IAC) in Abuja and KOICA-led programs in ICT-driven education and governance. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance public service delivery, governance and knowledge-sharing, drawing inspiration from Korea’s technological model.
“As Korea alumni, we stand as living proof of the value of Korea’s investment in education and technology. We are proud to serve as a bridge between Nigeria and Korea in fostering innovation, sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he stated. He affirmed that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has his hands firmly on the plough to revitalize and resuscitate Nigeria’s Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem.
The seminar brought together key stakeholders including the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology, the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) the Director General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Heads of ICT of Ministries Departments and Agencies and the team of Korean National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA). The seminar discussions focused on aligning Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda with global best practices in ICT and AI, while exploring opportunities for collaboration in climate change, energy access, and sustainable development.
