Havana, February 4, 2025 – As part of the activities surrounding the Pedagogía 2025 International Congress, held from January 29 to February 2 in Havana, the Honourable Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, undertook an official visit to Cuba with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of education.
During her stay in Cuba, the Nigerian Minister held a fruitful meeting with Dr. Naima Trujillo Barreto, Cuba’s Minister of Education. The two officials explored avenues of collaboration between the two countries, focusing particularly on the implementation of Cuba’s internationally recognized literacy program Yo Sí Puedo (“Yes, I Can”) to support Nigeria’s efforts to eradicate illiteracy. Discussions also covered strategies for improving the quality of basic education in Nigeria, drawing from Cuba’s longstanding expertise.
The official agenda also included a meeting with Dr. Walter Baluja García, Minister of Higher Education of Cuba. On this occasion, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between their respective ministries, aimed at promoting future cooperation in areas such as scientific research, academic exchange, and higher education development.
As part of the program arranged by the Cuban authorities, the Nigerian delegation visited special education centers, as well as schools dedicated to training middle-level technicians and skilled workers. These visits offered the Minister a first-hand view of Cuba’s inclusive education model and vocational training initiatives designed to prepare students for the labor market. 
The Pedagogía 2025 International Congress brought together over 1,000 delegates from around 30 countries and served as a key forum for exchanging ideas and experiences on inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education. Under the theme “Education for All: A Commitment to the Future”, the Congress promoted dialogue among ministers, academics, educators, and experts on the main challenges and opportunities facing global education today.
The official visit of Hon. Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad to Cuba marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, opening new opportunities for practical collaboration that will benefit both nations. For Nigeria, Cuba’s educational model offers valuable insights and tested methodologies for expanding access and enhancing educational quality; for Cuba, this partnership reaffirms its enduring solidarity and its commitment to human development through knowledge and cooperation.
(Embassy of Cuba to Nigeria)