IITA has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing African agricultural research through a strategic partnership with the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). The collaboration agreement signed on 26 January aims to strengthen existing ties and pave the way for future joint initiatives.
During the signing ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, emphasized the significance of formalizing the collaboration, citing the university’s need for technical expertise and academic building. She expressed her appreciation for IITA’s resources, which had been instrumental, even during her academic pursuits, and voiced confidence in IITA’s capacity to contribute to FUTA’s academic community.
In response, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery (DDG-P4D), Kenton Dashiell, underscored the importance of the MoU in strengthening the relationship between the two institutions. He highlighted the commitment of IITA to nurturing the partnership and fostering its growth in the years to come.
Head of IITA Bioscience Unit and Genetic Resources Center (GRC), Michael Abberton, highlighted the collaborative efforts that already existed between IITA and FUTA through FUTA’s representative Prof. Benjamin Oluwole Akinyele, particularly in training students and conducting laboratory operations. He emphasized the benefits of formalizing the partnership, noting that it would create new opportunities for both institutions to advance their research agenda.
In remarks following the signing of the MoU, Oladiji expressed optimism about the partnership’s future, emphasizing its potential to boost staff morale and enhance research output at FUTA. She reiterated FUTA’s commitment to maintaining an active and fruitful collaboration with IITA, pledging to ensure that the partnership yields tangible benefits for both institutions.
Formalizing the partnership between IITA and FUTA marks a significant milestone in advancing agricultural research and capacity building in Africa. The partnership is poised to drive innovation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development in the agricultural sector across the continent.
Contribué par Ochuwa Favour Daramola
Contribué par
Nouvelles connexes