Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
Following the visit of scholars from Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden, to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) last week, the University, today, March 5, 2026, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to strengthen international academic collaboration and expand opportunities for teaching, research, academic exchange.
The agreement centred on discussions held during the Swedish scholars’ visit, where both institutions explored avenues for developing mutually beneficial academic programmes and research initiatives. The partnership is expected to enhance knowledge sharing and deepen global engagement between the two institutions.
Speaking during the engagement, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasised the importance of collaborative programmes that would benefit staff, students, and external partners of the University. He noted that the partnership would enhance academic development, strengthen research output, and further position FUNAAB within the global academic community.
Earlier, the Team Lead, Prof. Kayode Adekunle, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, noting that it would also provide the Swedish institution with valuable exposure to Nigeria’s academic environment and educational system, while fostering a productive and mutually beneficial relationship.
As part of the collaboration framework, both institutions have proposed the development of joint academic programmes at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, particularly in Computer Science and Electrical/Electronics Engineering. The programmes would involve joint curriculum development, with about 30 per cent local academic content incorporated to ensure relevance to the respective institutional contexts. To facilitate implementation, Deans of relevant Colleges at FUNAAB would work closely with Heads of Departments to provide programme structures and course outlines, enabling programme managers from both institutions to review courses and design collaborative academic plans.
Beyond teaching, the partnership would also prioritise research collaboration, with academic staff from both institutions expected to identify areas of mutual research interest, pursue joint publications, and apply for research grants to strengthen the long-term impact of the collaboration.
Present at the meeting were the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, and the Ag. Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, among others.
