FUNAAB Welcomes Eight Sierra Leonean PhD Students, Strengthening Educational Partnership
In a significant step towards internationalizing its Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has welcomed eight international students from Sierra Leone into its PhD program, with a ninth student expected to join shortly.
UBA CHIDINMA 
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has welcomed eight international students from Sierra Leone into its PhD program, with a ninth student expected to join shortly. This initiative underscores a collaborative partnership between FUNAAB and the Sierra Leonean Government aimed at enhancing higher education in the West African nation.
During the Welcome Ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde commended the Sierra Leonean Government for its support, emphasizing FUNAAB's commitment to providing an enriching academic and social experience for the international scholars. He reassured the students of their safety and security throughout their stay at the university.
Prof. Kehinde expressed his gratitude to Prof. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), for facilitating the students’ admission and acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, whose negotiations with the Sierra Leonean Government were pivotal to the partnership's success.
In his address, Prof. Akinyemi praised the collaborative efforts that made the partnership possible and expressed appreciation for the Sierra Leonean Government’s commitment to advancing agricultural education. He highlighted the mutual benefits of such international collaborations for both institutions.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun, assured the scholars that they would receive comprehensive care and support during their time at FUNAAB, further enhancing their academic experience.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Miss Samuela Kargbo, a previous MSc graduate of FUNAAB, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university management for their acceptance. She pledged that they would actively promote the FUNAAB brand in Sierra Leone, acknowledging the significant role the university played in their academic and personal growth.
The orientation program also featured the CEADESE Director, Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, along with various program leaders, including Prof. Taofik Shittu, Prof. Israel Osunsina, and Prof. Emmanuel Idehen.
The students, sponsored by the Sierra Leonean Government, participated in several preparatory online meetings with FUNAAB, led by the Vice-Chancellor, and representatives from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture and the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). Additionally, financial concessions were approved by the Vice-Chancellor to facilitate the students' enrollment.
As FUNAAB continues to strengthen its international partnerships, this initiative stands as a testament to its dedication to advancing agricultural education and research, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the global academic landscape.
