A Soft Power Projection Framework: Education, Cultural Diplomacy, and Regional Development in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

Nigeria’s foreign policy has increasingly incorporated soft power as a strategic tool for regional influence and international recognition. This review explores the development of a Soft Power Projection Framework that leverages education, cultural diplomacy, and regional development as key drivers of Nigeria’s foreign engagement. Education diplomacy—through scholarship programs, academic exchanges, and the export of Nigerian higher education—has served as an instrument for building transnational networks and promoting national image. Similarly, cultural diplomacy, expressed through Nollywood, music, and sports, enhances Nigeria’s cultural visibility and fosters mutual understanding across Africa and the global South. Regional development initiatives, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), demonstrate Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity. The paper synthesizes theoretical perspectives on soft power (Nye, 1990) with empirical evidence from Nigeria’s diplomatic practice to propose an integrated framework linking educational outreach, cultural identity, and developmental assistance. By evaluating institutional structures, policy coherence, and the role of non-state actors, this review identifies both the opportunities and constraints in Nigeria’s soft power strategy. Ultimately, the study argues for a more coordinated and data-driven soft power policy to strengthen Nigeria’s regional leadership and global influence.