By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
In a landmark agreement, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has joined forces with Hubei University of Technology (HBUT), South China Agricultural University, Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and Hubei Dijing Seed Industry Co. to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to advance soybean and sorghum cultivation, as well as the New Resource Development (NRD) industry in Nigeria.
The MoU focused on enhancing Nigeria’s soybean industry by improving soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, advancing soybean breeding techniques, planting technology, and yield.
Similarly, the partnership would boost the sorghum industry, refine breeding and planting methods, and increase crop yield.
The agreement would also strengthen agricultural cooperation between China and Nigeria, promoting seed research, planting technology, sorghum processing, marketing, and agricultural technology exchange.
During the MoU signing, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasised the University’s strong track record in international collaborations, asserting that FUNAAB was recently recognised as Africa’s leading Agricultural University.
He expressed confidence in the success of the partnership, involving three Nigerian and three Chinese entities, ensuring mutual satisfaction for all parties.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted a recent visit from the China-Africa Cooperation team under the 100 Universities Cooperation Plan, which included 50 universities from China and 50 from Africa. He noted that FUNAAB was selected as one of the African universities participating in the initiative.
Meanwhile, the MoU stipulated that all parties would actively promote the cooperation project, fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations based on mutual trust and benefit.
The agreement also ensured the respect of intellectual property rights, the sharing of technologies and achievements, and the provision of accurate information by all parties.
Attendees at the MoU signing ceremony included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga; Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Alaba Jolaosho; Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, and the Deputy Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Adewale Salau.
Others were Prof. Christopher Alake; Prof. Samuel Olakojo; Deputy Registrar II, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide; Senior Assistant Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Adekunle Adebiyi, and the University Legal Officer, Mrs. Olanrewaju Tanimowo.
Representatives from the Chinese partners included the Chief Executive Officer of HuBei Seed Group, Prof. Yuan Guo Bao, Mr. Rwan Chang Cheng, Mr. Guo Sen of Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, as well as Sir Jare Oyesola, Prince Bayo Ikujenyo, and Prince Olukoya Ikujenyo, among others.
