FUNAAB Explores Collaboration with University of Pennsylvania
FUNAAB recently hosted delegates from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom to discuss potential collaboration.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), hosted delegates from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), USA, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, to discuss potential collaboration opportunities between the institutions.
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During the meeting held on May 30, 2024, in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office Conference Room A, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Prof. Kola Adebayo, highlighted FUNAAB’s specialization in Agricultural Sciences. He noted the university's ten colleges, including the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), and College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).
Prof. Kehinde emphasized FUNAAB’s status as Africa's leading agricultural university and its ideal 10,000-hectare campus for multidisciplinary research spanning savannah and forest zones.
Prof. Sylvester Osagie, UPenn’s Associate Director of African Partnerships, praised FUNAAB and recounted his productive discussions with the Vice-Chancellor at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). He emphasized the importance of education and agriculture for food sustainability and highlighted the need to instill agricultural knowledge from an early age.
Prof. Esther Obonyo, Executive Director of the Global Building Network at UPenn, discussed her goal of leading a global network initiative in partnership with the United Nations (UN) focusing on sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and adaptation. She stressed the importance of integrating these efforts into the formal sector to benefit farmers and the environment.
Ag. Registrar Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu and Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Festus Adeosun expressed optimism about the collaboration, anticipating positive outcomes for the university.
The delegates toured the Central Laboratory at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) and the Biotechnology Centre, led by Directors Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu and Prof. Olufunke Shittu, respectively.
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Notable attendees from UPenn included Dean of the College of Education Prof. Kimberly Lawless, Prof. S’oerd Duiker, Nel White, and Chief Abiodun Lasile representing the Olowu of Owu Kingdom.
This collaboration aims to support farmers, elevate agricultural practices, and advance sustainable development efforts.
