FrieslandCampina WAMCO partners Yabatech to nurture young talent

NIGERIA – FrieslandCampina WAMCO, a leading dairy company known for Peak and Three Crowns milk brands, has partnered with Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) to foster talent development among students. 

The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to equip young Nigerians with skills for the job market, strengthening ties between industry and academia.

The initiative was highlighted during a recent industry-academia engagement session at Yabatech, attended by top executives from Royal FrieslandCampina, based in the Netherlands.

Jan Derck van Karnebeek, the global CEO, led the delegation, joined by supervisory board members Nils den Besten and Wietse Duursma. 

The event, held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, was part of the “Career Leap Series 1,” designed to inspire students and align education with industry needs.

According to FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, Ore Famurewa, the partnership focuses on training students to meet market demands, ensuring they are job-ready. 

The company has already offered internship placements to 10 Yabatech students, a move seen as a step toward broader collaboration. 

“We are in an era where the boundaries between classroom and boardroom are fading,” said Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, Yabatech’s Rector, emphasizing the partnership’s role in producing problem-solvers and entrepreneurs.

Van Karnebeek praised Yabatech’s commitment to quality education, describing it as a fertile ground for industry partnerships. 

“When we build together with purpose and shared responsibility, we all win,” he stated, underscoring the shared values driving the collaboration. 

The partnership also aligns with FrieslandCampina’s global mission to nourish communities while fostering innovation. 

Ali Khan, President of the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa Business Group at Royal FrieslandCampina, commended the students’ enthusiasm, noting their success stories reflect the company’s values.

Roger Adou, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, highlighted the inspiring journey of a Yabatech alumnus who rose to a board position within the company, showcasing the potential for growth through education. 

The partnership is expected to expand, with plans for joint research, faculty exchanges, and innovation hubs to provide students with real-world exposure. 

Abdul expressed gratitude for the internships, calling them a bridge to dynamic, globally informed learning.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO, with a US$199.5 million turnover in 2020, continues to invest in Nigeria’s dairy sector, including local milk sourcing and production facilities. 

This collaboration with Yabatech reinforces its commitment to empowering youth and driving sustainable growth in the industry. 

The initiative is set to create a brighter future for Nigeria’s dairy sector and its young talents.

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