FUNAAB Strengthens Partnership with Germany as New Consul General Visits

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has reiterated its commitment to deepening its longstanding collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany during a working visit by the newly appointed Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Krull.

The visit, which signalled continuity of the warm relationship established by his predecessor, Mr. Weert Borner, opened new opportunities for joint initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, technology transfer, and sustainable development.

Prof. Olawale Dairo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), who received the Top Diplomat on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressed delight at the visit and reaffirmed FUNAAB’s readiness to expand existing partnerships with German institutions. He highlighted the University’s keen interest in solar-powered agricultural systems and small-scale funding opportunities available through the German Embassy.

In his response, Mr. Daniel Krull appreciated FUNAAB for the warm reception and pledged to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor. He underscored Germany’s expertise in food processing, tropical agriculture, and coffee value chains, while stressing the importance of private-sector involvement in research.

Mr. Krull drew particular attention to innovative research from the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, on agrivoltaics, the dual use of land for solar energy generation and crop production. He noted that while limited sunlight restricts the technology’s effectiveness in Germany, Nigeria’s abundant solar radiation makes it highly promising.

“The shade provided by solar panels can reduce heat stress on crops and, in many cases, increase yields in tropical environments,” he explained, pledging support to explore pilot projects at FUNAAB.

In his speech, Prof. Olufemi Ojo, FUNAAB’s Desk Officer for the German Consulate, also reaffirmed the University’s strong institutional memory of cooperation with Germany and guided the delegation through the day’s programme.

Speaking also, the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu described the visit as a welcome continuation of productive German–Nigerian academic ties. He highlighted FUNAAB’s pool of German-trained researchers and the University’s engineering capabilities, expressing optimism for collaboration in solar farming, equipment donation, technology transfer, and student training programmes.

The working session was followed by guided tours of FUNAAB’s solar farm, Greenhouse complex, and the World Bank-supported CEADESE. Researchers engaged directly with the German delegation, identifying concrete areas for future joint projects.

Both parties expressed confidence that the renewed engagement would lead to impactful initiatives that further position FUNAAB as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainable development in Africa.