Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Calls for Sustained Collaboration, Implementation of Fellowship Outcomes
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has commended scholars from Virginia State University (VSU), United States of America, for their remarkable contributions during their two-month engagement at the University under the prestigious Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP).
Receiving the Fellows in his office today, July 31, 2025, for a Courtesy Visit to mark the close-out of their activities, Prof. Kehinde appreciated the collaborative spirit, academic mentorship, and practical interventions brought by the team. He lauded their dedication to knowledge-sharing through curriculum development, capacity-building workshops, community outreach, and livestock improvement initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of translating the outcomes of the Fellowship into sustainable impact, emphasising that the insights gathered, particularly those advocating for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s agricultural curriculum and enhancement of livestock productivity, must be followed up with concrete actions to improve teaching, research, and food systems in Nigeria.
He also commended the efforts of the National Universities Commission (NUC), especially the contributions of Prof. Peter Okebukola, for championing curriculum reforms in higher education. According to Prof. Kehinde, the synergy between the Carnegie Fellows and FUNAAB stakeholders clearly demonstrates the power of academic partnerships in solving real-world challenges.
He, therefore, expressed confidence that the partnership with Virginia State University and other diaspora institutions would continue to flourish, yielding mutual benefits for the advancement of agricultural education and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Fellows, Prof. Richard Omotoye expressed deep appreciation for the enabling environment provided by FUNAAB, noting that the five thematic workshops conducted, covering youth engagement, curriculum reform, farmer training, extension capacity-building, and livestock development were impactful and well-received. He acknowledged the supportive roles played by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; the Provost, FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu; Director of AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye; Prof. Mutiu Busari; and Prof. Idowu Alarima, among others.
Also speaking, Prof. Laban Rutto commended FUNAAB’s research infrastructure and expressed interest in future collaborations, including the introduction of improved cattle breeds from Kenya to further boost livestock development at the University.
The Fellows reaffirmed their commitment to long-term collaboration with FUNAAB, expressing interest in joint research, student exchange programmes, and continued academic engagement.
Author
-
Mr. Olajide is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in the fields of Public Relations, Media and Communications. He currently holds the position of Assistant Director, Media.
View all posts