FUNAAB Deepens Collaboration with Germany as New Consul General Visits

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has reinforced its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Federal Republic of Germany following a working visit by the newly appointed Lagos-based Consul General, Mr. Daniel Krull.

The visit marked continuity from his predecessor, Mr. Weert Borner, and opened avenues for joint initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, technology transfer, and sustainable development.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, received the Consul General on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, affirming FUNAAB’s readiness to expand collaborations, particularly in solar-powered agricultural systems and small-scale funding opportunities through the German Embassy.

Mr. Krull commended FUNAAB for its warm reception and highlighted Germany’s expertise in food processing, tropical agriculture, and coffee value chains. He also introduced the concept of agrivoltaics—dual land use for solar energy generation and crop production—emphasizing Nigeria’s favorable solar conditions for the technology, which could reduce heat stress on crops and potentially increase yields.

Prof. Olufemi Ojo, FUNAAB’s Desk Officer for the German Consulate, reiterated the University’s history of productive engagement with Germany, while Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, Director of CEADESE, highlighted FUNAAB’s German-trained researchers and engineering capacity as a foundation for future collaboration in solar farming, technology transfer, equipment donations, and student training programmes.

The visit included guided tours of FUNAAB’s solar farm, Greenhouse complex, and CEADESE, with researchers and the German delegation exploring concrete areas for joint projects. Both sides expressed confidence that the renewed engagement would strengthen FUNAAB’s leadership in agricultural innovation and sustainable development in Africa.