FUNAAB, Chinese Investors Discuss Partnership on Poultry Breeding, Hatchery

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has held discussions with Chinese investors on a proposed partnership to establish an animal breeding investment, beginning with poultry breeding and hatchery operations.

The discussions were held on September 22, 2029, with the Chinese investors, Mr. Tai Zi Yang and Mr. Ma Yuan Kai, participating in the high-level meeting.

The investors were accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Abuja, and Mr. Tope Anthony, Public Relations Officer of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Igbesa, Ogun State.

Welcoming the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, expressed the University’s readiness to explore the proposed partnership.

Kehinde said FUNAAB’s interest in such collaborations was driven by its commitment to using knowledge for development and promoting knowledge transfer through teaching, research, innovation, impact and extension services.

He added that the proposed collaboration was also expected to deepen the relationship between Nigeria and China.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted FUNAAB’s academic and research capabilities in Animal Science and related disciplines, noting that the University has expertise across various areas of livestock and poultry production.

Kehinde said the University has the academic expertise, infrastructure and other resources required to support the proposed investment.

He particularly highlighted the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), stating that FUNAAB was prepared to explore opportunities in animal production by providing access to relevant land and infrastructure, students for learning and research, as well as extension services that would enable the benefits of the collaboration to reach society.

He emphasised that, as a Federal Government institution, FUNAAB remained open to partnerships involving both local and international expertise.

Other FUNAAB frontline officers present at the meeting included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Olawale Dairo; the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Professor Oluwagbemiga Adeleye; the Deputy Dean, College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies (COLENDS), Dr. Segun Owoeye; and the Senior Deputy Registrar, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda.