Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Joy Adeyiga & Tayo Onayemi
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) today, March 30, 2026, received an international delegation from the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) programme which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), implemented in Nigeria by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration in skills development, innovation, and sustainable green solutions.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, restated that FUNAAB’s mandate extends beyond its traditional agricultural focus, emphasising the University’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills. He noted that the University has continued to position itself as a hub for youth empowerment through multidisciplinary training initiatives aligned with global best practices.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted the strategic importance of the University’s specialised centres that are the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), Career Services and Linkages Unit (CSLU) and the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), describing them as well-equipped platforms for delivering Competency-Based Training. He explained that these Centres integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, thereby preparing students to be innovative, self-reliant, and globally competitive. He further reiterated the University’s resolve to expand partnerships that would create opportunities for young people and enable them to realise their full potential.
In her remarks, the GIZ – SKYE Programme Component Manager for Technical & Vocational Education and Training, Mrs. Rachel Schipper, who spoke alongside the Technical Adviser and Ogun State Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, emphasised the importance of strong institutional partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. She stressed the need for practical, demand-driven training, effective communication, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure long-term programme impact.
Mrs. Schipper commended FUNAAB for its proactive approach to innovation and skills development, noting that the University’s infrastructure and academic environment provide a solid foundation for impactful collaboration. She expressed optimism that the partnership would promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of sustainable solutions, particularly in renewable energy.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in interactive sessions with key stakeholders and undertook a guided tour of major University facilities, including the Automated Greenhouse, the College of Engineering (COLENG), and the 3.4MW Hybrid Solar Power Plant. These facilities showcase FUNAAB’s growing reputation in renewable energy research, technological advancement, and experiential learning.
The visit also witnessed the presence of the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, alongside other senior University officials, including the Alternate Chair, Employability and Benchmarking Committee, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Director, CENTS, Prof. Sakiru Akinbode; Head, CSLU, Prof. Elijah Obayelu and the Deputy Director, COBFAS, Prof. Tunrayo Joseph-Adekunle, among others.
