Last Updated on December 4, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and Fujian University of Technology (FJUT), China, today, December 1, 2025, formalised a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlined wide-ranging academic and research collaboration, culminating in the establishment of the China–Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base. The partnership is poised to strengthen Nigeria–China educational relations and further elevate FUNAAB’s international visibility.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the partnership as a major step in FUNAAB’s internationalisation agenda. He noted that a Chinese-affiliated industry operating in Ogun State had shown strong interest in expanding its relationship with the University, underscoring FUNAAB’s growing relevance in Nigeria–China academic and industrial engagements. Prof. Kehinde also referenced the Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, whose recent visit to FUNAAB reflected national-level support for deeper educational collaboration. He affirmed that Chinese institutions recognise FUNAAB’s academic excellence and are eager to consolidate ties through the newly signed MoU.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-President of FJUT, Prof. Zhan Songqing, commended FUNAAB’s strategic standing in agricultural innovation and capacity-building. He stressed that both institutions stand to benefit significantly from joint research, student and staff training, and academic exchange programmes. Prof. Zhan highlighted the broader cooperation between Nigeria and China in agriculture, education, and commerce, explaining that the new partnership is in sync with the developmental priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping. He added that the presence of Chinese industries in Ogun State creates a natural link to facilitate seamless academic–industrial cooperation.
Prof. Zhan further disclosed that FJUT manages several international cooperation projects funded by China’s Ministries of Education and Commerce, and expressed readiness to collaborate with FUNAAB on multinational research and capacity-building initiatives. He stated that the agreement would unlock new opportunities for staff development, technology-driven agricultural research, and global exposure for students of both institutions, a development that has drawn positive attention from the media monitoring Nigeria–China academic partnerships.
Under the MoU, FUNAAB and FJUT would collaborate in key academic areas including teaching, research, student exchange programmes, staff mobility and training, as well as articulation pathways such as joint degree and double-degree programmes. Additional areas include technology transfer and development, provision of academic services, cultural exchange initiatives, and participation in international conferences, symposia, consultancy services, and workshops.
A major highlight of the agreement was the joint establishment of the China–Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base. Designed to advance the “Chinese plus Professional Skills” training model across Africa, the Base would focus on talent development in agricultural information systems, digitisation, mechanisation, agricultural equipment technology, and other emerging technological fields mutually identified by both institutions. The Base is expected to serve as a hub for innovation-driven research, youth capacity-building, and cross-border entrepreneurship development, firmly positioning FUNAAB as a continental leader in agricultural education and technological advancement.
The meeting was attended by key members of FUNAAB Management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; Deputy Registrar, Executive Affairs of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; and the University Legal Officer, Mrs. Olanrewaju Tanimowo.
The FJUT delegation included Zhuang Weiqing, Director of the International Affairs Office; Wang Ping, Director of the Alumni Office; Mr. Jiang Jialiany; Mr. Huang Yibia; Mr. Wen Zhen; and Mr. Tony Kennedy.
The partnership is expected to catalyse new opportunities in research, technology development, and youth empowerment while reinforcing Nigeria–China cooperation in education and agriculture.
