By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has entered into a strategic partnership with Dizengoff West Africa Nigeria Limited through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, aimed at fostering collaboration in agricultural innovation and research, was formalised today, December 16, 2024, in the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room.
Dizengoff W.A. (Nigeria) Limited, a leading agribusiness company with its head office in Lagos, agreed to provide a complete Greenhouse unit (8m x 24m) with drip irrigation systems, fertilizers, agrochemicals, and seeds for open field cultivation. The facilities would support trials, demonstrations, research, training, and Farmers’ Field Days at FUNAAB.
Speaking during the event, Dizengoff’s General Manager for Agriculture, Mr. Oscar Walurube, outlined the contributions of Dizengoff to the partnership. He explained that the company would supply grow bags, plastic mulch for the Greenhouse, seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, emphasising that the facilities would serve both academic and practical purposes.
In return, FUNAAB pledged to provide 1.5 acres of land, security, and a permanent water supply for the efficient utilisation of the Greenhouse and open field infrastructure.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde while signing the MoU, described the collaboration as a significant milestone, stressing its potential to enhance agricultural education and practice. He noted that FUNAAB’s over 22,000 students, including the 12,000 studying agriculture, stand to benefit immensely from the partnership.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted the importance of Greenhouse technology, stating that it represented a critical trend in modern agriculture.
The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the value of creating a certification programme through the partnership. This, he said, would equip graduates with the practical knowledge and credentials needed to support the emerging Greenhouse farming industry in Nigeria.
Key members of FUNAAB’s Management Team were present, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi and Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, the Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE). Representing Dizengoff alongside Mr. Walurube was the company’s Sales Manager, Mr. Friday Ali.
The MoU marked another chapter in FUNAAB’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and training, reaffirming its position as a leader in agricultural education in Nigeria.
