By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
As part of its ongoing efforts to internationalise the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has officially welcomed eight international students from Sierra Leone into its PhD programme, with the ninth student set to join soon.
The partnership between FUNAAB and the Sierra Leonean Government highlighted a significant collaboration in the advancement of higher education in Sierra Leone.
At the Welcome Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the Sierra Leonean Government for its support, affirming FUNAAB’s commitment to providing the best academic and social experience for international scholars. He assured the students of their safety and security during their stay at FUNAAB.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed his appreciation to Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), for facilitating the students’ admission. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, who played a key role in the negotiations with the Sierra Leonean Government.
Prof. Akinyemi, in his remarks, commended the collaborative efforts that brought the partnership to fruition, appreciating the Vice-Chancellor for ensuring the success of the arrangement. He also expressed gratitude to the Sierra Leonean Government for their commitment to advancing agricultural education.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun, assured the scholars that they would receive the best care and support during their time at FUNAAB.
Responding on behalf of the students, Miss Samuela Kargbo, who had previously completed her MSc at FUNAAB, expressed gratitude to the University Management for accepting them. She promised that they would continue to promote the FUNAAB brand in Sierra Leone, noting that FUNAAB had significantly contributed to their growth.
Present at the Orientation Programme were the CEADESE Director, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, and various Programme Leaders, including Prof. Taofik Shittu, Prof. Israel Osunsina and Prof. Emmanuel Idehen.
Meanwhile, the students were sponsored by the Sierra Leonean
Government and before their arrival, several online meetings were held between FUNAAB, led by the Vice-Chancellor, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture, and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). The Vice-Chancellor also approved financial concessions to facilitate the students’ enrollment.
