FUNAAB Expands Global Footprint with Strategic MoU with Swedish Institution

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has strengthened its internationalisation drive with the Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), Karlskrona, Sweden.

This agreement was reached by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, with the President of BTH, Prof. Henric Johnson, who was represented by the Institution's Country Director, Prof. Kayode Adekunle. The agreement in principle establishes a robust framework for collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation, underscoring both institutions’ shared commitment to academic excellence and intercultural exchange.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two institutions would explore opportunities for students and staff mobility across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The partnership also provides avenues for joint research initiatives, collaborative academic programmes, and the exchange of scholarly publications. In addition, it supports the organisation of joint conferences, seminars, and other academic engagements aimed at deepening intellectual cooperation.

The Vice-Chancellor described the partnership as a reflection of FUNAAB’s expanding global vision. He noted that although the University is relatively young, it is firmly committed to attaining international relevance through purposeful collaborations. According to him, the opportunity to partner with BTH was warmly embraced, as the University remains focused on initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to students and faculty members.

Prof. Kayode Adekunle has been facilitating academic linkages between Nigeria and Sweden since 2009, he expressed unwavering personal commitment to ensuring the success of the new partnership. He commended FUNAAB’s infrastructural and academic strides, emphasising that the most enduring value of international collaboration lies in strategic investment in students and human capital development.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, highlighted integrity and trust as indispensable pillars for sustaining the partnership. He stressed that transparency, ethical leadership, and institutional responsibility must guide the collaboration to guarantee long-term success. He further observed that sustainable impact would be achieved through consistent intellectual contributions, including virtual lectures, postgraduate mentorship, and collaborative research initiatives.

The exhaustive deliberations were attended by key University officials, including the Dean, College of Engineering (COLENG), Prof. Adedayo Badejo; Ag. Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye; Head, Office of Advancement, Mr. Olujinmi Ogundimu and Mr. Femi Pearce (from BTH), among others.

Highpoint was the tour of COLENG and the Centre of Execellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE).