Netherlands Ambassador Hails ABUAD as Beacon of Educational Excellence

In a resounding affirmation of Afe Babalola University’s (ABUAD) stature as a global leader in higher education, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Michel Deelen, visited the institution on Friday, November 7, 2025.

The high-profile interactive session, held at the prestigious Alfa Belgore Hall, underscored the deepening ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands, with a spotlight on collaborative opportunities in education, agriculture, and technological innovation.

Ambassador Deelen’s tour of ABUAD’s state-of-the-art facilities left an indelible impression. From the extensive colleges and cutting-edge Industrial Park to the world-class Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH)-a high-tech marvel unparalleled in Nigeria- he marveled at the university’s self-sufficiency and rapid evolution.

Founded less than sixteen years ago, ABUAD has transformed into a self-sustaining ecosystem boasting ultramodern infrastructure, innovative academic programmes, and a firm commitment to practical, enterprise-focused learning.

“This university reminds me of an American university and other great universities,” Ambassador Deelen remarked, citing the expansive sports facilities, advanced technological integrations, and the impressive teaching hospital as hallmarks of excellence.

He lauded ABUAD as a model of educational excellence and technological advancement, comparable to top-tier institutions across the Atlantic and an exemplar for Africa’s educational development. He urged students to harness education not merely for personal success, but as a catalyst for community upliftment and national progress.

“Nigeria’s progress depends on its investment in human capital, and this country is blessed with both human and natural resources,” he noted.

According to him, his mission in Nigeria centres on fostering collaboration, promoting trade, and encouraging knowledge exchange with ABUAD emerging as a prime partner in these endeavours.

In response, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, the visionary Founder and Chancellor of ABUAD, called on the Netherlands to collaborate with ABUAD’s Industrial Park and Research Laboratory, envisioning a partnership capable of revolutionizing healthcare and agribusiness across Africa.

“Our Virucidine has been certified by NAFDAC as a cure for COVID-19. Be part of our drive to make ABUAD the first university in Africa to manufacture vaccines, with Nigeria as the first country on the continent to achieve this milestone,” the Chancellor urged.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, in her Welcome Address delivered by the Provost, Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, expressed delight at hosting the Ambassador and his delegation. She described the visit as “a remarkable expression of ABUAD’s long-standing commitment to internationalization, knowledge diplomacy, and global partnerships.”