Michel Deelen, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria
The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Michel Deelen, has called for collaboration with Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), in the fields of education and agriculture. He described ABUAD as a model of academic and technological excellence comparable to leading American universities.
During a tour of the university’s colleges, industrial park, and the Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH), Deelen praised the institution’s self-sufficiency, high-tech facilities, and commitment to quality education.
He emphasised that education is central to national development, highlighting the Netherlands’ success in agriculture despite limited manpower.
Deelen urged students to use education not only for personal growth but also to improve their communities and contribute to Nigeria’s progress. “If you can thrive under difficult circumstances, you become more robust and determined. You are the future builders of your country,” he said.
Founder Aare Afe Babalola welcomed the proposed collaboration, inviting the Netherlands to invest in ABUAD’s Industrial Park and research laboratories. He also highlighted the university’s ambitions in herbal medicine production and vaccine manufacturing, positioning ABUAD as a potential pioneer in African pharmaceutical innovation.
