FUNAAB Collaborates with ICSAN, CAA — Signs MoU on Cassava Value Chain and Climate Action

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on September 3, 2025, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN) and Climate Action Africa (CAA), reinforcing its commitment to agricultural innovation, food security, and climate resilience.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the partnership as “strategic and highly valuable,” noting that cassava remains one of Nigeria’s untapped economic assets. He recalled that during the launch of ICSAN in Abuja, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, cassava was referred to as “Nigeria’s other crude oil,” yet its vast potential remains underutilised.

Prof. Kehinde reaffirmed that as an agricultural university, FUNAAB is deeply invested in promoting cassava production, processing, and utilisation. He emphasised that the collaboration with ICSAN would enable the University to leverage its expertise, researchers, and alumni in advancing cassava research and scaling up adoption of improved cassava varieties across the country.

On the collaboration with CAA, the Vice-Chancellor explained that FUNAAB’s mandate goes beyond agricultural training to addressing sustainability and climate change. He highlighted that agriculture and climate are inseparable, citing the University’s establishment of the Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology, as well as climate-focused programmes and projects in COLPLANT, COLERM, and IFSERAR, which make the partnership timely and relevant.

Speaking on behalf of ICSAN, the President, Mr. Segun Ladele (Chairman/CEO, Goldenlad Nigeria Limited), expressed gratitude to FUNAAB for embracing the partnership. He explained that the project prioritises cassava stem multiplication, stressing the need to replace outdated stems with improved varieties to boost productivity and sustainability for farmers.

Also speaking, Mrs. Adenike Sanusi, Director of Food Security Programmes at CAA, who represented the Executive Director, Mrs. Grace Oluchi, commended the Vice-Chancellor for the support. She noted that CAA, established in 2021 as Cleanbuild Climate Action Innovation Ltd/GTE, is dedicated to promoting climate resilience, green growth, and sustainable agriculture across Africa. She added that FUNAAB was identified as an ideal partner due to its strong reputation in sustainable agriculture and research-driven innovation.

Addressing the partners, the Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Bola Senjobi, applauded the University Management for facilitating the collaboration, assuring that the partnership would foster impactful research, capacity building, and community development.

In attendance were distinguished scholars from COLPLANT, including Prof. Thomas Fabunmi, Prof. Moninuola Ayo-Vaughan, Prof. Adewale Salau, and Prof. Patience Olorunmaiye, as well as industry representatives such as Mr. Peter Okonkwo (MD, IFGREEN Industries and Investment Ltd.), Mr. Lawrence Kehinde (Programme Coordinator, ICSAN), and Mr. Salau Ayodele (Southwest Coordinator, CAA).

The MoU reflects a shared commitment by FUNAAB, ICSAN, and CAA to align with national and continental development priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1: No Poverty, 2: Zero Hunger, 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals).