Ahmadu Bello University Student Wins Trip to Germany for Excellence in Bayer 'Safe Use of Pesticide' Competition

Florence Mathew, a final-year student from the Faculty of Agriculture at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has earned a visa to visit Bayer Headquarters in Germany for her outstanding achievement in promoting the safe and responsible use of pesticides.

Mathew, recognized as the best student in the Bayer competition, was presented with her travel documents by Bayer's Safe Use Ambassador, with ABU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala officiating the ceremony on Thursday, 31st October 2024.

The Vice-Chancellor formally handed over the documents to her in a gathering attended by senior university officials, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim; Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila; and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Salisu Abdu Bakura. 

Florence Mathew is scheduled to depart Nigeria for Germany on Saturday, 16th November 2024. Her participation in Bayer's Safe Use Ambassador program—a project aimed at educating students on safe pesticide practices—played a central role in her success. The program, which trained 266 students in the Faculty of Agriculture, focuses on responsible pesticide handling, storage, and disposal as part of the faculty’s 2023 field practical training.

In his address, Prof. Bala congratulated Mathew and lauded Bayer’s collaboration with ABU, stating that the university’s Agriculture Complex is one of the best in the country. He encouraged Mathew to represent the university well during her time abroad.