Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Aduragbemi Oke & Wuraola Dada
The cultural heartbeat of Abeokuta took the centre stage today, September 24, 2025, as participants of the Humboldt Kolleg Conference embarked on a guided tour of Olumo Rock, one of Nigeria’s most iconic heritage sites. The visit offered delegates from across institutions a rich immersion into Egba history and traditions, including the origins of Abeokuta.
Earlier in the day, the University had hosted a robust line-up of academic sessions featuring stimulating lectures, professional mentoring, and recognition of scholarly excellence.
Dr. Stephen Olusegun, Associate Professor of Ecomusicology/Medical Musicology at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, opened the plenary with a lecture on “Innovation and Creativity in Grant Writing.” He encouraged participants to embrace originality and resilience, warning against reliance on outdated methods. “We must not only think outside the box but burn the box,” he remarked, underscoring persistence and creativity as indispensable for success.
Turning attention to Africa’s youth, Prof. Sakiru Akinbode of FUNAAB’s Department of Economics presented on “Youth Engagement in Agribusiness in Africa.” He highlighted the promise of Africa’s youthful population of nearly two-thirds under 25 years, as a force for agricultural transformation, job creation, and food security. He identified barriers such as limited access to land, capital, and infrastructure, calling for reforms, innovation promotion, and mentorship to empower young agripreneurs.
The third plenary by Mr. Uchi Terhile of the Federal University Dutse (FUD), focused on “Technological Innovations in Modern Agriculture.” He showcased how drones, sensors, satellite systems, and mobile apps are revolutionising farming, while linking digital agriculture to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He stressed inclusive policies, strong partnerships, and farmer capacity building as critical for advancing agricultural technology adoption.
The day concluded with an award ceremony recognising the Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Presentation, underscoring the conference’s commitment to nurturing excellence.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Olufemi Ojo, FUNAAB’s German Consulate Desk Officer and DAAD Research Ambassador, expressed profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for his unwavering support in providing facilities and logistics for the event.
