Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has welcomed a high-powered delegation from The Bahamas in a significant move to foster international collaboration and advance agricultural development. The visit marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing food production, knowledge exchange, and agricultural sustainability.
A 9-Man Team led by His Excellency Ambassador William John Godfrey Eneas, The Bahamas former Ambassador to the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), as well as a foremost agribusiness consultant in The Bahamas and across the Caribbean, the delegation paid a Courtesy Visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde today, February 11, 2025. The meeting, held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, underscored the shared commitment of both the University and The Bahamas to research-driven agricultural transformation and food security.
Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted FUNAAB’s reputation as a centre of excellence in agricultural education and research. He emphasised the University’s Tripodal Mandate of Teaching, Research, and Community Engagement, reiterating that FUNAAB was ranked as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and 7th globally.
He acknowledged The Bahamas’ interest in FUNAAB’s agricultural model and assured the delegation of the University’s willingness to share its expertise. “We are more than willing to collaborate in shaping a similar model for The Bahamas while also learning from your experiences. This partnership will be mutually beneficial, opening new opportunities for academic and research growth,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor further expressed enthusiasm for potential areas of collaboration, including staff and student exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and agricultural innovations that would drive sustainable food systems. He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership flourishes for the benefit of both parties.
In his response, Ambassador Eneas expressed deep appreciation for FUNAAB’s warm reception and commended the University’s remarkable achievements in agricultural research and education. He shared a personal connection to Nigeria, revealing that his ancestral roots trace back to Abeokuta, a history linked to the transatlantic slave trade.
“This visit is particularly emotional for me as it allows me to reconnect with my ancestral home,” Ambassador Eneas remarked. “Africa is incredibly rich in natural and human resources, and we believe that this partnership with FUNAAB would be instrumental in transforming agriculture in The Bahamas.”
He lauded the University’s dedication to agricultural excellence and expressed confidence that the collaboration would yield meaningful results. “We are excited about the possibilities ahead and certain that this marks the beginning of a new dawn for both The Bahamas and FUNAAB,” he added.
With this new partnership, FUNAAB continues to expand its global footprint, reinforcing its role as a leader in agricultural education and innovation.
Pictures are attached below 👇 Credit: Tofunmi Adebayo
