By Joy Adeyiga & Tofunmi Adebayo
In a strategic collaboration aimed at revolutionising agricultural education and practice, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has joined forces with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), operating under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Their mission was to empower current Farm Practical Year Students (FPY) with the latest digital technologies for livestock and arable crop production.
The culmination of this innovative partnership was marked by the Closing Ceremony of the “2024 ACTECH Capacity Building” Training Programme, held at the Center of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE).
At this event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, underscored the significance of the training, urging participants to seize the opportunity to enhance their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Prof. Kehinde stressed the importance of leveraging such opportunities, acknowledging the rare privilege afforded by the collaboration.
He expressed gratitude to NITDA for recognising FUNAAB as a valuable partner and highlighted the University’s commitment to advancing both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in agriculture.
Besides, he signaled FUNAAB’s openness to further collaborations with similar organisations and NGOs, aiming to broaden the University’s impact.
Earlier in his Opening Speech, the Director General and CEO of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi who was represented by Dr. Ayodele Bakare commended the participants for their engagement and performance throughout the 3-Day programme, noting their enthusiasm and aptitude for learning.
He stressed the importance of practical application and problem-solving skills, emphasising their crucial role in driving progress within the agricultural sector.
Looking ahead, Mallam Abdullahi urged FUNAAB to further integrate digital technology into agricultural practices, expanding access to such opportunities for more students.
In their separate submissions, the student representatives, Mr. John Folaranmi and Miss Elizabeth Sodelola expressed gratitude for the transformative experience afforded by the training programme.
They thanked both NITDA and the University Management for the opportunity, recognising the programme as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Meanwhile, the contributions of key figures were lauded, with Prof. Sunday Adigbo, Director of the Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), commended for his pivotal roles in the success of the initiative.
Highpoint was the presentation of seed cheques to deserving Trainees.
As FUNAAB and NITDA continue to pioneer advancements in agricultural education and practice, their partnership stands as a beacon of progress, offering a glimpse into the transformative potential of digital technologies in shaping the future of farming.
