Last Updated on September 10, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Signs MoU on Cassava Value Chain and Climate Action
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, September 3, 2025, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN) and Climate Action Africa (CAA), strengthening its commitment to agricultural innovation, food security, and climate resilience.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the partnership as “strategic and highly valuable” to the University, noting that cassava remained one of Nigeria’s untapped economic assets. He recalled that during the launch of ICSAN in Abuja, which had the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, GCON, in attendance, cassava was described as “Nigeria’s other crude oil,” yet its vast potential remained underutilised.
Prof. Kehinde reaffirmed that as an agricultural University, FUNAAB was deeply invested in promoting cassava production, processing, and utilisation. He added that the collaboration with ICSAN would enable the University to leverage its expertise, researchers, and alumni in advancing cassava research and ensuring wider adoption of improved cassava varieties across the country.
On the collaboration with Climate Action Africa, the Vice-Chancellor stated that FUNAAB’s role was beyond agricultural training to addressing broader issues of sustainability and climate change. He emphasised that agriculture and climate are inseparable, hence the University’s creation of the Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology, and its plans to further strengthen climate-focused academic programmes. Prof. Kehinde added that Colleges such as the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), and research centres like the Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), were already working actively on climate-related studies, making the partnership timely and relevant.
Speaking on behalf of ICSAN, the President, Mr. Segun Ladele (Chairman/CEO, Goldenlad Nigeria Limited) expressed appreciation to the University for embracing the collaboration. He explained that the project focused on cassava stem multiplication, noting that outdated stems must be replaced with improved varieties to boost productivity and ensure sustainability for farmers.
Also speaking, Mrs. Adenike Sanusi, Director of Food Security Programmes at Climate Action Africa, who represented the Executive Director, Mrs. Grace Oluchi, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for the support. She highlighted that CAA, established in 2021 as Cleanbuild Climate Action Innovation Ltd/GTE, was committed to promoting climate resilience, green growth, and sustainable agriculture across Africa. She added that FUNAAB was identified as a leading institution in sustainable agriculture and research-driven innovation, making it an ideal partner in advancing climate-smart agricultural practices.
Addressing the partners, the Dean, COLPLANT, Prof. Bola Senjobi, also commended the University Management for approving the collaboration, assuring that the partnership would foster impactful research, capacity building, and community development.
In attendance were distinguished scholars from COLPLANT, including Prof. Thomas Fabunmi, Prof. Moninuola Ayo-Vaughan, Prof. Adewale Salau, and Prof. Patience Olorunmaiye, alongside industry representatives such as Mr. Peter Okonkwo (MD, IFGREEN Industries and Investment Ltd.), Mr. Lawrence Kehinde (Programme Coordinator, ICSAN) and Mr. Salau Ayodele (Southwest Coordinator, CAA).
The MoU reflected a joint commitment by FUNAAB, ICSAN, and CAA to align with national and continental development priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).
