In a significant move to formally strengthen a relationship that has existed for decades, IITA-CGIAR and the University of Ibadan have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 May, aimed at advancing agricultural transformation, research innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria.
The signing ceremony, held at the University of Ibadan, brought together senior scientists, researchers, and administrators from both institutions, renewing their commitment to deepen collaboration and jointly address pressing development challenges through science, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Speaking during the ceremony, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling (DDG P4DS), Tahirou Abdoulaye, conveyed greetings from the IITA Director General and described the agreement as a major milestone in the relationship between the two institutions.
He noted that while collaborations between IITA and UI have existed for many years across different sectors and departments, the new institutional MoU would now provide a unified framework to guide all partnerships between the two organizations. The agreement will strengthen mechanisms for monitoring collaborative activities, mobilizing resources, co-developing research initiatives, and jointly owning research outcomes for greater impact.
“This collaboration has been long overdue at the institutional level,” he said. “The MoU provides a strategic platform for both institutions to work more closely in addressing agricultural and development challenges while creating opportunities for researchers and students alike.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Kayode Adebowale, reflected on his longstanding connection with IITA, recalling his participation in a senior executive course in 2017 during which he selected IITA as the strategic institution to visit. He commended the role of Kemi Olaobaju, Executive Assistant to DDG P4DS, in organizing the strategic workshop at the time and praised IITA’s contributions to research, training, and institutional support over the years.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that IITA has consistently played a significant role in capacity development and agricultural innovation. He cited examples, including access to rare clonal legumes planted at IITA and the valuable research materials available through the IITA Library.
The MoU covers several strategic areas, including agricultural development, renewable energy, technology, innovation, science, extension services, knowledge dissemination, and scaling of innovations. It also aims to promote joint research projects capable of attracting substantial research funding while creating opportunities for early-career researchers.
The collaboration is expected to involve multiple faculties and departments within the University of Ibadan, including the Department of Food Technology and related technology-focused disciplines.
The event concluded with the formal signing of the MoU by UI’s Vice Chancellor and Registrar, alongside IITA’s Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling (P4DS), and Head of Legal Services, Morenike Abu, followed by the presentation of souvenirs symbolizing a renewed era of institutional collaboration between two of Africa’s leading institutions committed to agricultural transformation and sustainable development.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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