By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has strengthened its global partnerships with the visit of a delegation from the University of Bundeswehr Munich (UNIBW.M), Germany. The delegation, led by Dr. Emmanuel Benjamin, was received by FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, to explore potential collaborations in fisheries, urban, and rural development.
In his remarks, Prof. Kehinde expressed the University’s commitment to fostering innovative partnerships that enhance its research, teaching, and community engagement goals. He highlighted the importance of collaborations that focus on urban and rural development, stressing FUNAAB’s readiness to embrace new ideas that would benefit both the University and the broader community.
Dr. Benjamin, representing UNIBW.M, shared insights into his university’s expertise in training German soldiers and also in agricultural innovation, particularly in hydroponics and aquaponics. He emphasised the relevance of these technologies in addressing food insecurity by enabling efficient production even in limited spaces.
According to Dr. Benjamin, these solutions have been successfully deployed in six countries, utilising locally sourced equipment to enhance food production.
Mr. Abiola Adegoke, Ethics Manager at AGLOBE Development Centre, introduced his Lagos-based NGO, which focuses on agriculture, technology, and urban-rural development. He highlighted AGLOBE’s efforts in addressing food insecurity in urban areas by exploring sustainable solutions for small-scale farming.
In her appreciation, Prof. Alaba Jolaoso, Director of the Institute for Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), commended the Vice-Chancellor for his continuous support, stressing the significance of the partnership. She noted that the collaboration would further drive innovations in fisheries and rural development, aligning with global efforts to combat food insecurity.
Present at the meeting were the Facilitator, Prof. Iyabode Taiwo; the Programme Leader for Fisheries, Prof. Bolatito Ikenweiwe; Prof. Oladapo Fasae; Research Fellow, Mr. Nathaniel Bamidele; and an Agricultural Officer, Mr. Tunde Adeniyi.
The German delegation would depart the University on Friday, October 18, 2024.
