The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the two institutions joining efforts to unlock the potential of Africa’s human, agricultural, and natural resources.
IITA and ABUAD which have common interests in improving the nutrition and income of the rural and urban poor will use the MoU to provide a ‘bridge’ that will link the two institutions and foster cooperation to complement each other’s research efforts.
At the signing ceremony, the Director General of IITA, Dr Nteranya Sanginga said he was very excited in signing the MoU adding that he is confident that, ABUAD and his institution will work together in tackling the challenges to hunger and poverty.
The Director General announced that the MoU will help in building the critical human capital that will address the present and future challenges in agriculture and other developments.
Dr Sanginga disclosed that the sector is faced with several constraints such as climate change, emerging pests and diseases. These constraints can be tackled jointly if we develop the human capacity that will provide solutions to them.
Under IITA’s revised strategy; research, partnerships and capacity building are key drivers for the success of the Institute as it aims to lift 20 million people out of poverty and free 25 million hectares of degraded land in the next decade.
IITA Deputy Director General on Partnerships and Capacity Building, Dr Kenton Dashiell said the MoU would help tap the potentials of youths that are important stakeholders for rural and economic development. He said it is one way of meaningfully engaging the youths by giving them the tools to be productive.
Specific areas of interest for the two institutions in the MoU include:
- Collaboration in research and development on topics of mutual the Director General of AIIT, Dr Nteranya Sanginga.
interest,
· Development of joint research and development project proposals for submission to prospective donors for funding,
· Organization of joint research activities,
· Organization of joint conferences and workshops,
· Linkages between IITA and ABUAD scientists,
· Placement and/or exchange of students,
· Exchange of research materials, publications, and other materials of common interest.
Dr Dashiell promised that both IITA and ABUAD would work to implement the ‘areas of interest’ according to the terms spelt out in the MoU.
Established in 1967, IITA remains a leader in crop improvement and the fight against biological threats and environmental sustainability in Africa. Improved crop varieties from IITA have revved up productivity in several African countries with Cameroon doubling cassava yields, and Nigeria becoming the world’s top producer of root crops.
IITA in its 45 years of existence as Africa’s leading research partner, has benefited more than 74,000 Africans. Some of these beneficiaries today occupy strategic positions in the continent.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, (ABUAD), Professor Sidi Osho, explained that the MoU which is of great interest to the University would also help in increasing food production and food security.
She said the MoU will confer tremendous benefits on the University in terms of international linkages, exchange programmes, organizing and strengthening research and proffering qualitative strategies for administrative capacity.
Located in southwest Nigeria, ABUAD aims at producing highly skilled and socially relevant graduates capable of applying scientific knowledge for the resolution of social and technological problems. The University is equally committed to transforming students into expert thinkers, innovative managers, and resourceful technocrats in all fields of learning. This vision is guided by the need to produce professionals who are sound and agile, and who could become future leaders in Nigeria and Africa.
Present at the occasion were Professor Esan Owolabi of the College of Engineering, Professor Adekunle Alalade, Director General Studies, Professor Ben Oso, Director of Research, Dr. Sanya of the Health Sciences and the Acting Librarian, Mrs Roseline Subair, all of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
Others were, members of the Agbekoya Farmers Association, Ekiti State Branch and their National President, Chief Aremu.