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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2025: The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB) has received a renewed commitment of partnership and technical collaboration from the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), a foremost international organization devoted to promoting food security, agricultural productivity, and rural development across Africa.
According to a press statement issued by Mrs. Oyekemi Wilson, Head of the Public Relations Unit of FCAIB, the reaffirmation came during a courtesy visit by the SAA delegation to the College.
The team, led by the Director of Sasakawa Africa Association, and represented by Dr. (Mrs.) Anjolaoluwa Fadairo (Project Manager), Dr. Bidemi Ajibola (Project Officer), and Mr. Patrick Akpu, commended the 105-year-old institution for its consistent leadership and innovation in agricultural education, research, and extension services.
The Association described the College as a strategic partner in advancing agricultural transformation in Nigeria, particularly within the Southwest region.
“We prioritize this College because of the remarkable impact it has made in agricultural development and the quality of graduates it continues to produce. FCAIB stands out as a dependable institution capable of sustaining innovations and transferring practical knowledge to farmers and extension agents”, Dr. (Mrs.) Anjolaoluwa Fadairo of Sasakawa Africa Association said.
“Some of our past trainees from this programme are now Professors and even Directors of Agriculture across Nigeria. We look forward to seeing one of them become a Vice-Chancellor soon”, Dr. Fadairo added.
In his remarks, the Provost of FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, expressed deep appreciation to Sasakawa Africa Association, reaffirming the College’s complete readiness to further strengthen the partnership.
He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with FCAIB’s vision and mission of producing skilled manpower and driving innovation for sustainable agricultural growth.
The partnership between SAA and FCAIB will focus on curriculum enhancement, extension training, regenerative and transformative agriculture, as well as joint research and community-based initiatives aimed at improving productivity and food security in Nigeria.
In attendance at the event were Dr. (Mrs.) Kayode Olubunmi, Dean, School of Agriculture; Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Okpeze, Dean, School of Basic Studies and Media Technology; Dean,Dr. Adebayo Adediran, Director of Academic and Strategic Planning; Engr. Dr. Bukola Afolabi, Director of Research, Innovation and Development; Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Sodamola, Director of Entrepreneurship and Engr. Dr. Akinyele, Head of Procurement.
The College Deans and Directors present lauded the Sasakawa Africa Association initiatives, for its enduring contributions to agricultural development and gave valuable insights on innovation and collaboration. They all assured SAA of FCAIB’s maximum support towards the full realization of the Association’s objectives and the success of the partnership.
The visit reaffirmed the long-standing collaboration between FCAIB and SAA, which began with the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) programme in 1991.
Established through the vision of Ryoichi Sasakawa, Jimmy Carter and Dr. Norman Borlaug. Sasakawa Africa Association has impacted more than 10 million smallholder farmers in Nigeria, focusing on productivity, knowledge dissemination, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Through this initiative, mid-career extension professionals have received advanced agricultural training, enabling many to rise to leadership positions as directors, researchers, and professors across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
This collaboration reaffirms FCAIB’s position as a Centre of Excellence in agricultural innovation and extension education, strengthening its contribution to national agricultural transformation, food security, and youth empowerment.
