By Joy Adeyiga & Temiloluwa Osinuga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and the Justrite Superstore are in talks for a grand-partnership, aimed to promote and expand the sales of the University’s agricultural products, as well as enhance entrepreneurial education.
The need for partnership between both parties was ignited during a visit by the Justrite team to the Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Receiving the Justrite team, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde expressed his appreciation for the team’s interest in FUNAAB and confirmed the University’s readiness to collaborate.
Prof. Kehinde highlighted FUNAAB’s production of high-quality products, which have been well-received but needs expansion in production to meet the needs of the teeming customers.
He noted the importance of entrepreneurial education for FUNAAB’s 24,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the aim to equip them with diverse skills beyond their academic disciplines.
The Vice-Chancellor mentioned the establishment of the Career Services and Linkages Unit (CSLU), which fosters business ideas and entrepreneurial consciousness among students.
Prof. Kehinde noted that a partnership with an esteemed organisation like Justrite would significantly aid in human capital development and strengthen the relationship between the University and the surrounding community.
The collaboration could lead to the establishment of a Justrite branch on campus, catering for the needs of the University’s large population.
Prof. Kehinde expressed concern towards a proper entrepreneurial guidance for students and stressed the need to shape their entrepreneurial mindset.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Justrite Limited, Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale shared his excitement about the visit, which had been in the planning stages for some time.
He highlighted the potential synergy between Justrite and FUNAAB, emphasising their interest in human capital development and production fields such as odourless cassava flour, cashew nuts, palm wine, and sustainable energy management systems.
Dr. Aderinwale agreed with the Vice-Chancellor’s idea of establishing a Justrite presence at FUNAAB, noting the substantial student population as a valuable market for the organisation.
The visit included a tour of notable locations on the University campus, such as the Cashew Processing Unit, Odourless Fufu Unit, Palm Oil Processing Unit and the 3MW Solar Project Site.
Present at the meeting were the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; Principal Assistant Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Joke Oguntayo; Head of Strategy & Growth, Justrite Limited, Mr. Sinan Soysal, and the Legal Adviser, Justrite Limited, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Daramola.
