FUNAAB Strengthens West African Agricultural Ties, Welcomes Liberian Scholars for Advanced Soil Science Training

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has taken another significant step toward advancing agricultural innovation and regional collaboration in West Africa by welcoming three scholars from Liberia under a strategic international partnership focused on Soil Science and sustainable agriculture.

The initiative, a landmark collaboration involving FUNAAB, the Government of Liberia, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), is aimed at developing a new generation of highly skilled Soil Scientists capable of driving agricultural transformation and sustainable land management in Liberia.

The scholars, who arrived at FUNAAB on May 25, 2026, have been admitted into specialised academic programmes at the University’s Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE). Their studies will focus on Crop/Pasture Production and Sustainable Environment with a major emphasis on Soil Science.

The partnership emerged after months of strategic engagements coordinated by Dr. Samuel Mesele, Soil Scientist and Project Coordinator for Soils4Africa/Soils4Liberia at the Soil Management Unit of IITA Liberia Country Office. His efforts played a vital role in facilitating discussions that led to the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking during a reception held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, encouraged the scholars to remain committed to the goals of the programme and make the most of the academic and professional opportunities available to them.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the initiative was carefully designed to equip the scholars with practical skills, technical expertise, and research capacity needed to support Liberia’s efforts toward improving soil health, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring sustainable food systems.

Prof. Kehinde also reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to providing a conducive academic environment that would make the scholars’ experience productive, impactful, and memorable.

Supporting the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks, the Bursar of the University, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, assured the students of the institution’s readiness to address their welfare and logistical needs. In the same vein, the Director of CEADESE, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, promised access to world-class facilities, experienced faculty members, and a research-driven learning environment tailored toward practical agricultural solutions.

In their separate remarks, the Liberian scholars expressed deep appreciation to FUNAAB, IITA, and the Government of Liberia for the rare opportunity, pledging to demonstrate excellence, dedication, and commitment throughout the programme.

The partnership is expected to strengthen educational and agricultural ties between Nigeria and Liberia while contributing significantly to regional food security and addressing the shortage of soil management experts across Liberia.