The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Odeda Local Government Area and Paramount FM are interested in strengthening their partnerships.
Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the University’s Management team to Odeda Local Government Secretariat, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako reiterated the tripodal mandate of the University which is Teaching, Research and Extension, adding that the University has been having extension activities within the Local Government’s geographical sphere for a long time.
Professor Salako noted that the University needed to identify with the grassroot to aid the development of the communities. Justifying the need for the University to be partner with the Local Government, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that, “If we don’t feel their pain, if we don’ can we know their problems? How can we take ideas to them?”
The Vice-Chancellor said that the University would continue to give due considerations to LGA in respect of extension activities.
He noted that the Cattle Production Venture (CPV), needed improvement, adding that the promotion of local chickens, a project by Professor Funmilayo Adebambo could be extended to the grassroots. The Vice-Chancellor added that starch from cassava could also be looked into.
Commenting on the University’s town and gown relationship, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for harmony between town and gown . According to him, many innovations in advanced countries were because attention was paid to agriculture from the lowest level to the topmost level of government. “If there is going to be a particular produce from USA that would cause glut, they would make sure they apply some political policies which would make all those people producing it not to suffer”, he said.
He appreciated the Chairman of the LGA for the kind gesture of grading the Camp/Alabata road just two days before the 23rd, 24th & 25th Convocation Ceremonies, noting that the gesture facilitated free flow of traffic. He, therefore, solicited the Chairman’s support in grading the access roads to Opeji from FUNAAB.
Responding, the Chairman, Odeda LGA, Honourable Semiu Lawal commended the Vice-Chancellor saying that he had started well and would definitely end well. He added that he was rest assured that the present team in the University would get the desired results, stating that the LG would continue to support the University to actualise its goals.
At a separate visit to the Paramount FM 94.5, Professor Salako sought a symbiotic relationship with the radio station as regards FUNAAB Radio 89.5 FM, saying that both institutions needed a continuous collaboration on cross-checking of information before going on air.
While responding, the General Manager, Paramount FM 94.5, Alhaji Adeniyi Odekunle noted the importance of the academics and the ivory towers to nation building, adding that Nigerians should value them the more. He, therefore, declared his unflinching support for FUNAAB.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Consul General of the Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Hussein Amandi also paid a courtesy visit to the University to seek partnership with FUNAAB on the training of expertise for agricultural universities in Ghana. According to him, the High Commission was looking at mutually-beneficial collaboration. After the parley, Mr. Amandi proceeded to the Kalahari Goat Pen at the Institute of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), and was taken on a guided familiarisation tour by the Director, Professor Bamidele Oluwatosin.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the people of Ghana for their 61st Independence Anniversary, adding that FUNAAB was ready to partner with the High Commission and that an MoU would be prepared soon.
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