In May 1989, a linkage agreement was concluded between the Katholieke University of Leuven, Belgium and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The aim of the linkage is to develop a maintenance culture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to strengthen the teaching capacity and to restore conditions for research to an acceptable level. Under this linkage, a Service and Training Centre (STC), has been installed. The Main function of the STC is to provide training for laboratory personnel in preventive equipment maintenance and proper use of laboratory equipment, in diagnosis of faults and repair of faulty equipment, STC will also establish a spare-parts policy and may advise the University in formulating a policy for purchase and replacement of equipment.

The linkage is financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) under the Lome III Treaty. The National Universities Commission has also provided some funds for the renovation of facilities housing the STC. The Centre has staff positions established by the University of Nigeria including six technical and seven support staff. These positions have been filled by re-deployment of existing staff from other units in the University. A Chief Technologist at the Katholieke University of Leuven was seconded by his institution to the STC. He supervised the installation of the STC and achieved a high quality realisation.
At present the STC operates under the linkage agreement between the KU Leuven and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It is however envisaged that the STC will eventually be officially recognised and approved as a teaching support unit with appropriate provisions in the University budget.

The linkage agreement was concluded in May 1989 between the KU Leuven and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It came into force on the date of its endorsement by the Commission of the European Community, and will be valid for a period of four years, but renewable thereafter. The agreement is intended to provide the basis for a link of longer duration. Extension of the duration will be subject to a renewal of the agreement and the possibility of generating funds. Nevertheless, it is envisaged that the STC when completely installed and fully operational would clearly fulfil a support function to scientific teaching and research and therefore would become a permanent teaching support unit of the University of Nigeria even when the linkage agreement expires.