Dutch Deputy Ambassador visits ABU, calls on Vice-Chancellor
The Deputy Ambassador, Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Briefing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Ambassador disclosed that the purpose of the visit was that Netherlands has been operating within the northern region for a very long time.
Mr. Bartelink noted that they were in the University to see how things are done, because he is interested in what Dutch firms do in Nigeria.
He lamented that Universities in Netherlands are facing tough times due to budget cut from the government, stressing that they are trying to attract funds from European Union and other private organizations.
The Deputy Ambassador enjoined ABU to grab alumni and make feel connected and responsible, so they can give back to the institution.
According to him, if they identify an opportunity, they think of how they can approach World Bank or Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for intervention.
Mr. Bartelink thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for the warm reception accorded to him
Responding, Vice-Chancellor. Prof Kabiru Bala, welcomed the Deputy Ambassador and thanked him for their timely interventions.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research and Innovation, Prof. Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University is interested in their programmes because of their impacts on host communities.
Prof. Bala noted that receiving prominent personalities like the Netherlands Deputy Ambassador, the University will try to see other areas of collaborations with Dutch Universities.
According to him, the University is trying to seek funding from external sources and the Netherlands is a golden opportunity.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the University is commercializing its researches through patenting, which is the way forward.
Prof. Bala underscored the need for the University and Netherlands to collaborate in agriculture and animal rearing, which is the second largest trade in northern Nigeria, adding that there is also huge opportunity for collaboration in health, life sciences and biotechnology.
He thanked the Deputy Ambassador for choosing ABU as the centre of their programmes.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(AHW).
Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
