Campus News

Bühler Group to collaborate with Food Engineering Dept

A Swiss industrial giant, Bühler Group, has entered into a collaboration agreement with the Department of Food Engineering, University of Ilorin, with a view to providing solutions to food insecurity and similar challenges.

This was the highpoint of the engagement between the management of the company, represented by Mr. Olusola Awosola (Sales Channel Manager), Flyzeagle Zuao (Sales Manager), and Ozeiegbe Unuigbe (Service Manager), and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Jamiu Odusote and the Head of the Department of Food Engineering, Dr Saheed Mayowa Sanusi recently. The meeting was held at the Conference Room of the Department of Food Engineering.

Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Odusote emphasised the critical role of industry-academia partnerships in tackling food insecurity in Nigeria.

Prof Odusote noted that one of the problems in Nigeria is that of little or no collaboration between the industries and the academia.

He added that the planned collaboration between Bühler and the Food Engineering Department is a fantastic decision that would have positive mutual benefits.

On his part, the Head of the Department, Dr Sanusi, outlined the commitment of the Department to sustainable food solutions and the development of innovative equipment and products.

He stressed that the partnership with Bühler aligns with the mission of the Department to advance innovation, teaching, and research.

Dr Sanusi added that the Department of Food Engineering remains optimistic about the partnership and anticipates advanced discussions that will foster innovation and benefit the broader community.

Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr Awosola affirmed Bühler’s commitment to the collaboration, which he described as an opportunity to strengthen Bühler’s presence in Nigeria’s academic and industrial sectors while addressing pressing food security challenges.

He also noted that “this visit underscores Bühler’s commitment to driving local innovation in food processing and enhancing the capacity of academic institutions to tackle global challenges.”

Mr Awosola expressed the interest in establishing a mutually beneficial partnership, saying that the company is committed to adding value to local foods and providing equipment in food processing and animal nutrition.

He further emphasised Bühler’s dedication to fostering innovation in Africa through its Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC) initiative, which supports enterprise growth by offering trial services for new food products and comprehensive technical training in grain processing and milling solutions.