ABUAD Signs Landmark Partnership with China’s Shenzhen University of Information Technology

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), one of Nigeria’s leading private universities, has formalised a strategic partnership with Shenzhen University of Information Technology (SZUIT), China, marking another milestone in its rapidly expanding global outreach.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, establishes two flagship initiatives: a comprehensive student and staff exchange programme and the creation of a state-of-the-art International ICT Twin Laboratory to be jointly operated by both institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, described the agreement as a transformative step in the university’s mission to drive innovation through international collaboration that benefits students, faculty, and society at large. 

“We are delighted that our engagement with SZUIT has crystallised into these two landmark agreements. The exchange programme will immerse our students and staff in world-class expertise, while the International ICT Twin Laboratory will become a hub for cutting-edge research, technology transfer, and hands-on training in emerging digital fields” she said.

The occasion also brought a major economic announcement from Mr. Deng Yu, President of Guangdong New South Group, the strategic partner behind the collaboration. He revealed that the Group intends to establish a large-scale industrial company in Nigeria that will rely heavily on cassava as a primary raw material. The scale of the planned operation, he explained, will generate significant, sustained demand for high-quality cassava and create lasting opportunities for Nigerian farmers, researchers, and institutions.

“Given ABUAD’s outstanding agricultural programmes, world-class research facilities, and proven track record of innovation, the university stands out as a natural partner for structured cooperation in cassava production, processing, supply-chain development, and broader agro-industrial ventures,” Mr. Deng Yu stated, reaffirming his Group’s commitment to deepening ties with ABUAD across education, technology, agriculture, and industry.

On ABUAD’s delegation is the Director of International Collaboration and Linkages, Prof. Adeniran Afolalu. The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Wang Hui, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Shenzhen University of Information Technology. 

Also present were Mr. Wang Xinzhong, Director of the Scientific Research Department; Mr. Xia Linzhong, Dean of the China–Germany Robot Academy; Mr. Wang Yinfeng, Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering; Mr. Gao Jianzhong, Investment Director of Guangdong New South Overseas Investment Holdings Co., Ltd.; Mr. Liu Zhigang, Deputy General Manager of China Africa Investment FZC; Mr. Wang Xiuqing, Chairman of Beijing World Skills Ascending Youth Education Technology Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Yang Yuxin, Administrative Director of China Africa Investment FZC.  

By bridging African and Asian innovation ecosystems, the partnership positions both institutions to produce graduates equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution while generating tangible economic value through technology and agriculture. 

In an era when Nigeria is actively diversifying its economy and strengthening South-South cooperation, the ABUAD–SZUIT partnership stands as a powerful example of what strategic international alliances can achieve.