Last Updated on September 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide, Aduragbemi Oke & Bolanle Olawepo
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has stamped its authority as the cradle of organic agriculture in Nigeria and a rising hub for agroecology in Africa as it hosted the official opening of the Agroecology and Organic Agriculture Leadership (AOAL) Course today, September 15, 2025. The University also played host to an international delegation of global organic agriculture leaders.
The Nine-Month Leadership Course, spearheaded by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in partnership with the Network of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN), was part of the Agroecology Promotion Programme (APP) and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The programme running for five days was designed to equip experienced practitioners with leadership skills and innovative tools to transform food systems, drive food security, and promote environmental sustainability across Africa.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde assured participants of FUNAAB’s continued commitment to agroecological innovation. “FUNAAB has continued to blaze the trail in organic and agroecological practices,” he said, citing programmes such as the Work and Learning Programme (WALP), which has trained youths in organic enterprises since 2009.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, the Vice-Chancellor assured participants of the institution’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that foster food security and sustainable development.
In her Welcome Address, Prof. Oluwakemi Irekore, State Coordinator of NOAN, emphasised the benefits of agroecology and commended all stakeholders for their contributions to the growth of organic agriculture in Nigeria.
Speaking also, NOAN National President, Prof. Jude Obi, described FUNAAB as a “cradle of organic agriculture in Nigeria” and commended the University’s consistent support for the association. He noted that the decision to host the international leadership course at FUNAAB was a testament to its strong institutional commitment to advancing agroecology.
With participants drawn from across the country, the Agroecology Organic Leadership Course is expected to strengthen networks, deepen ecological knowledge, and build leadership capacity for advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Vice-Chancellor received the international delegation in his office, where he expressed delight at the visit and reaffirmed FUNAAB’s pioneering role in organic agriculture. He recalled that the University has been actively involved in the revolution since 2004. “Organic agriculture is not just a practice; it is a global movement. FUNAAB has been in the vanguard of this movement, and we remain committed to advancing research, teaching, and innovation in sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.
The Visiting Team jointly commended FUNAAB’s global standing, noting that the course was not designed for beginners, but for seasoned practitioners who would return to their communities to champion transformative agricultural change.
