FUNAAB Partners with Agro Xchange Ltd to Advance Agricultural Research and Innovation

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on January 27, 2026, formalized a strategic partnership with Agro Xchange Inputs Ltd. through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering agricultural research, innovation, and food security initiatives.

At the signing ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde described the partnership as both timely and fully aligned with the University’s mandate to drive agricultural research, training, and practice. He highlighted FUNAAB’s commitment to collaborating with strategic partners to address critical challenges along Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Prof. Kehinde noted Nigeria’s significant agricultural potential but acknowledged persistent obstacles such as funding gaps, coordination challenges, and limited resources. While government support remains critical, he stressed that public funding alone is insufficient to tackle the sector’s complexities.

He further showcased FUNAAB’s research excellence, noting the University’s historic Department of Horticulture and its broad expertise across multiple agricultural disciplines. Prof. Kehinde emphasised the urgent need to bridge Nigeria’s yield gap with global leaders like Brazil and assured that FUNAAB would bring credibility, accountability, and a results-driven approach to the collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ayo Olajiga, Director of Agro Xchange Inputs Ltd., explained that the partnership will focus on testing nano urea, an innovative fertilizer technology successfully deployed in India, under local conditions. While preliminary results indicate yield improvements when used with soil testing tools, Mr. Olajiga stressed the importance of structured, university-led research for rigorous scientific validation and long-term impact assessment.

He also outlined Agro Xchange’s vision for a medium- to long-term collaboration, encompassing joint research projects, curriculum development, and enhanced market linkages beyond short-term product trials.

The MoU signing was witnessed by key University officials including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Olusegun Idowu, Registrar Dr. Titus Adeniyi, Dean of the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi, as well as Professors Christopher Adejuyigbe and Tunrayo Joseph-Adekunle, alongside the University’s Legal Officer, Mrs. Olanrewaju Tanimowo.