Students of the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, visited the IITA headquarters in Ibadan on 21 July 2026 as part of the benchmark requirements for the completion of their degree program.
The academic visit was designed to bridge the gap between classroom theories and the practical realities of contemporary international relations, exposing students to how global partnerships and institutions contribute to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
During the visit, the students participated in an interactive session with IITA Deputy Director General, Partnership for Delivery/Scaling Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, alongside Protocol and External Liaison, (PEL), Manager, Tomi Akinola, and Capacity Development, Manager, Omolara Sokera. The discussions focused on IITA’s operations in government relations, policy engagement, strategic partnerships, and capacity development across Africa.
Addressing the students, Dr Abdoulaye emphasized the growing relevance of agriculture in international relations and global development.
“International relations today extends far beyond diplomacy and politics; it is increasingly about how nations and institutions work together to address global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, poverty, and sustainable development,” he said.
“At IITA, we operate at the intersection of science, development, and international cooperation. Through our partnerships with governments, development agencies, research institutions, and local communities, we demonstrate how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change across Africa. We are delighted to host these future international relations professionals and expose them to the practical realities of global development cooperation.”
The presentations provided the students with deeper insights into how international agricultural research institutions function within complex global systems and contribute to sustainable development outcomes through multilateral partnerships.
Following the interactive session, the students toured some of IITA’s facilities, including the maize fields and the Forest Center, where they gained firsthand exposure to the institute’s research activities and environmental conservation initiatives.
The visit offered the students invaluable perspectives on contemporary international relations themes, including global food security and resource diplomacy, multilateral development cooperation, and environmental and climate governance. They also explored how international research networks contribute to combating hunger and poverty across Africa and examined the dynamics of collaboration among international non-profit organizations, foreign governments, and global development agencies.
Speaking further, Dr Abdoulaye encouraged the students to view agriculture through a broader development lens.
“We hope this visit inspires the students to see agriculture not merely as a sector, but as a critical component of international development, diplomacy, peace, and economic transformation. The solutions to many global challenges will require multidisciplinary approaches and strong international partnerships,” he added.
The visit further reinforced IITA’s commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity development by providing young scholars with practical insights into the role of international institutions in driving sustainable development and transforming food systems across Africa.
Contributed by
‘Timilehin Osunde