The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has enlightened members of the University community on the operational mandates of some of its Institutes, Centres and Directorates.
According to a release, signed by the Director, Grants Management, Dr. Olukayode Akinyemi, the streamlined mandates of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR); the Centre for Internationalization and Partnerships (CENIP); and the Directorate of Grants Management (DGM), are as follows:
1. The Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR)
a. To conduct research related to food security, environmental and natural resources and agricultural production;
b. To develop prototypes of improved agricultural implements and machinery to enhance productivity and reduce drudgery;
c. To build capacity in agricultural research of public and private sector organizations and institutions;
d. To foster collaborations between the Institute, Donor Agencies, National Agricultural Research Organizations, International Agricultural Research Centres and Agricultural Research Networks; and
e. To foster agricultural information exchange and dissemination through agricultural research seminars, workshops, conferences and publications.
2. The Centre for Internationalization and Partnerships (CENIP)
a. To promote the internationalization of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (At home and abroad);
b. To coordinate linkages and partnerships connected to the University, including those fostered by individuals and Units, Colleges and Institutes in the University;
c. To promote and coordinate the mobility of staff and students, as well as to coordinate and facilitate Memorandum of Understanding with Institutions in Africa and other parts of the world;
d. To manage the facilities of the International Centre of the University, as will be directed by the Management Board; and
e. To promote and manage the FUNAAB Foreign African Scholarship Scheme (FUFASS), and initiate other schemes that will promote the internationalization of the University.
3. Directorate of Grants Management (DGM)
a. To develop of Research Policy for the University and to provide regular Monitoring and Evaluation of the research activities in the University;
b. To manage the University Internal Research Funds as well as any External Funds made available for Research, including the TETFund, and other research grants by other National Agencies;
c. To organize appropriate training programmes from time to time, for the University Research Community that will enhance their research management, competitiveness, including their ability to compete for grants and meet the requirements of Funding Agencies;
d. To monitor all research activities associated with the University and facilitate ethical conduct of research including ensuring financial accountability in the administration of grants and research – related contracts; and
e. To promote the publicity and feasibility of research activities in the University through the publication of the University’s Annual Research Reports and other publications that will show-case research excellence in the University.