Last Updated on May 29, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has welcomed three scholars from Liberia as part of a landmark tripartite collaboration aimed at strengthening agricultural development and Soil Science expertise in West Africa.
The initiative, which involves FUNAAB, the Government of Liberia, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), was designed to build a new generation of highly skilled Soil Scientists capable of transforming agricultural productivity and sustainable land management in Liberia.
The scholars, who arrived on campus on May 25, 2026, were enrolled in advanced academic programmes at FUNAAB’s Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), where they would specialise in Crop/Pasture Production and Sustainable Environment with emphasis on Soil Science.
The collaboration followed months of strategic planning and engagement coordinated by Dr. Samuel Mesele, Soil Scientist and Project Coordinator, Soils4Africa/Soils4Liberia, Soil Management Unit, IITA Liberia Country Office, who facilitated discussions with the University towards the realisation of the initiative.
Speaking during a reception held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde charged the scholars to remain focused on the objectives of the programme and maximise the opportunities provided by the University.
According to him, the programme was carefully designed to equip the scholars with the technical expertise and practical skills required to support Liberia’s efforts at rebuilding and sustaining its soil resources for improved agricultural productivity.
The Vice-Chancellor assured the scholars of the University’s commitment to providing a conducive academic environment that would make their stay productive, rewarding, and memorable.
Corroborating the Vice-Chancellor, the Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga pledged the support of the administration in addressing logistical and welfare concerns, while the Director of CEADESE, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu assured the scholars of access to quality facilities, experienced faculty members, and a robust learning environment tailored towards research excellence and practical impact.
In their separate remarks, the Liberian scholars expressed appreciation to FUNAAB, IITA, and the Government of Liberia for the opportunity, promising to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication and academic excellence.
The collaboration is expected to further strengthen institutional ties between Nigeria and Liberia while contributing significantly to regional agricultural development, particularly in addressing the shortage of soil management experts in Liberia.
