FUNAAB, INCSAN Deepen Partnership to Drive Nigeria’s Cassava Revolution

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, has intensified its partnership with the Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria, INCSAN, to unlock the agricultural, industrial and economic potential of cassava and position the crop as a stronger driver of food security, youth employment and national development.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, stated this on September 10, 2026, when he received the leadership of INCSAN, resource persons and participants of a cassava training programme at the University.

Professor Kehinde emphasized that Nigeria’s position as one of the world’s leading cassava-producing countries must translate into increased productivity, value addition, industrial utilisation and improved livelihoods for farmers and other stakeholders across the value chain.

He commended INCSAN, particularly Dr. Lawrence Kehinde, for strengthening collaboration with the University, noting that the partnership gained further momentum following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between FUNAAB and INCSAN in September 2025.

As a practical demonstration of the growing partnership, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that FUNAAB had provided land to INCSAN for the establishment of a demonstration and training base.  

He described the initiative as a strategic platform for translating agricultural research, knowledge and innovation into practical solutions on the farm, and assured the Association of the University’s continued support through its land, expertise and personnel.

According to him, unlocking the full potential of the cassava value chain requires a united front involving government agencies, research institutions, private-sector organisations, development partners, farmers, extension personnel and other relevant stakeholders.  

He called for sustained knowledge-sharing, training and mentoring, particularly for young farmers and professionals, to accelerate the adoption of improved cassava production practices, technologies and business models.

*FUNAAB as a Hub for Cassava Innovation*  

Professor Kehinde described FUNAAB as a natural hub for agricultural innovation, stressing that the University's multidisciplinary expertise provides a strong foundation for addressing challenges across the cassava value chain.  

He highlighted contributions from Crop Protection, Soil Science, Plant Physiology, Plant Breeding and Horticulture, among others, noting that their combined expertise could provide innovative and sustainable solutions to cassava production, processing and enterprise development.

The Vice-Chancellor further linked FUNAAB’s cassava development agenda to the University's broader commitment to entrepreneurship, employability and job creation.  

He noted that FUNAAB graduates approximately 4,000 students annually and is strengthening entrepreneurship and career-development initiatives to prepare graduates not only to seek employment but also to create enterprises and take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.