FUNAAB, Farm Smarter Explore Strategic Partnership on Digital Agricultural Innovation

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is exploring a strategic partnership with Farm Smarter, a digital agricultural innovation initiative, aimed at deploying technology-driven solutions to strengthen crop management, agricultural knowledge and productivity.

The proposed collaboration was discussed when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Farm Smarter, Mr. Paul Coker, met with the University Management at Conference Room A, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development).

FUNAAB Signals Readiness for Digital Agriculture Partnership

Welcoming the Farm Smarter delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Professor Olawale Dairo, described Farm Smarter as a digital toolkit designed to support small-scale farmers and improve agricultural productivity.

Prof. Dairo commended the initiative for identifying FUNAAB as a prospective beneficiary, noting that the University appreciated the opportunity to participate in a project with the potential to strengthen digital agricultural innovation.

He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s readiness to embrace strategic partnerships capable of promoting institutional development and advancing the interests of its students and other stakeholders.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, however, stressed the importance of properly formalising the proposed collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

According to him, partnerships involving the University must be properly documented, mutually beneficial and structured to deliver measurable value.

He added that FUNAAB remained open to strategic engagements that would enhance its academic, research and technological capacities, while contributing meaningfully to agricultural development and the advancement of the University community.

Farm Smarter Targets 15,000 Students with AI-Driven Solutions

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Coker commended the University Management for its favourable consideration of the proposed partnership, describing FUNAAB as a reputable institution with significant potential to drive agricultural and technological innovation.

He explained that Farm Smarter was seeking to establish a sustainable relationship with the University through the deployment of innovative digital solutions designed to improve agricultural knowledge and practices.

Mr. Coker disclosed that the project is British-funded and would leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reach approximately 15,000 students across different locations.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would generate meaningful outcomes by equipping beneficiaries with technological tools capable of improving crop management, agricultural knowledge, productivity and the adoption of digital farming practices.

The proposed partnership underscores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, digital tools and technology-enabled learning in transforming modern agriculture and preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs.

For FUNAAB, the proposed engagement also aligns with its broader commitment to research, innovation, technology transfer and partnerships that can contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords: FUNAAB, Farm Smarter, digital agriculture, agricultural innovation, Artificial Intelligence in agriculture, AI in farming, crop management, agricultural productivity, FUNAAB partnership, agricultural technology, digital farming, smart agriculture, agricultural education, Nigerian agriculture.