Dutch Deputy Ambassador Visits Ahmadu Bello University, Explores Collaboration Opportunities

The Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the Netherlands and ABU, as well as explore potential collaboration opportunities .

During the meeting, Mr. Bartelink highlighted the Netherlands' long-standing presence in Nigeria's northern region and expressed interest in Dutch firms' activities in the country. He also discussed the challenges faced by universities in the Netherlands due to government budget cuts and their efforts to secure funding from the European Union and private organizations.

The Deputy Ambassador emphasized the importance of engaging alumni and fostering a sense of responsibility among them to give back to their institution. He suggested that ABU could approach organizations like the World Bank or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for support.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, welcomed the Deputy Ambassador and expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' timely interventions. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, Prof. Bala highlighted ABU's interest in the Netherlands' programs due to their positive impact on host communities.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that ABU is seeking funding from external sources and views the Netherlands as a valuable opportunity. He emphasized the university's focus on commercializing its research through patenting and underscored the potential for collaboration in areas like agriculture, animal rearing, health, life sciences, and biotechnology.

Prof. Bala thanked the Deputy Ambassador for choosing ABU as a partner and expressed optimism about the prospects for future collaboration.