FUNAAB Partners GIZ to Deepen Skills Development, Innovation and Green Solutions

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has strengthened its international engagement with the reception of a delegation from the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) programme, in a move aimed at advancing skills development, innovation, and sustainable solutions.

The delegation, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, is being implemented in Nigeria by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Welcoming the team on March 30, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, reiterated that the University’s mandate extends beyond agriculture to include the development of industry-ready graduates equipped with practical and globally relevant competencies. He emphasised FUNAAB’s positioning as a hub for youth empowerment through multidisciplinary and skills-driven training aligned with international standards.

He highlighted the strategic role of key institutional platforms, including the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, the Career Services and Linkages Unit, and the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme, noting that these units are designed to deliver competency-based training that integrates theory with hands-on experience. According to him, the approach is critical to producing innovative, self-reliant graduates capable of competing in a dynamic global economy.

The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the University’s commitment to expanding partnerships that create opportunities for young people and drive inclusive development.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the SKYE Programme Component Manager for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mrs. Rachel Schipper, emphasised the importance of institutional collaboration in achieving sustainable development outcomes. She noted that demand-driven training models, effective stakeholder engagement, and consistent collaboration are essential to ensuring long-term impact.

She commended FUNAAB’s proactive investment in skills development and innovation, describing its academic environment and infrastructure as a strong foundation for impactful partnership. She expressed confidence that the collaboration would facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of sustainable solutions, particularly in the area of renewable energy.

The visit featured interactive sessions with university stakeholders and a guided tour of key facilities, including the automated greenhouse, the College of Engineering, and the university’s 3.4-megawatt hybrid solar power plant. The facilities highlight FUNAAB’s growing capacity in renewable energy research, technological advancement, and experiential learning.

Senior university officials, including the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, and members of key academic and administrative units, were also in attendance, reflecting institutional alignment toward strengthening employability, innovation, and global partnerships.