Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Joy Adeyiga
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in collaboration with nine other institutions under the European Union-sponsored AGRECOFARM project, recently hosted a transformative One-Day Stakeholder Workshop. The event focused on building the capacity of Academic staff, students, and Agricultural Extension Officers through the development of a Master’s Programme aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture in West Africa.
Held today, December 4, 2024, at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) Lecture Hall, the Workshop commenced with an Opening Remark delivered by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, the Vice-Chancellor underscored FUNAAB’s unwavering commitment to the AGRECOFARM project, pledging full support to ensure its success and global recognition.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the leadership of the programme, led by Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, promising that FUNAAB would work assiduously to advance the initiative. He thanked all participants for their involvement and encouraged them to make impactful contributions toward the project’s objectives.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, Prof. Dipeolu, AGRECOFARM Team Lead at FUNAAB and Former Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), outlined the project’s core mission. He emphasised its aim to equip Academic staff, students, and Extension workers with practical and theoretical expertise, underpinned by a newly designed curriculum for sustainable agriculture.
Prof. Dipeolu also unveiled plans for the establishment of an AGRECO rural laboratory to facilitate research and enhance the Master’s programme. He announced that the programme would be housed within CEADESE, leveraging its internationally accredited infrastructure and resources. He called on participants to actively engage in the Workshop, stressing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and its potential to foster innovation in agroecology.
Adding to this, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, Director of CEADESE, expressed excitement over the initiative, describing it as a game-changer in agricultural education. He assured stakeholders of FUNAAB’s unwavering support and emphasised the significance of the Centre’s international accreditation, which guarantees global credit transfer for students enrolled in the programme.
Prof. Fafiolu revealed that space within the Centre has already been designated for the Master’s programme and reaffirmed its alignment with the Centre’s strategic goals. He concluded by highlighting the transformative impact the AGRECOFARM project is set to make in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering regional development.
