IAUE Signs MoU with Agricultural Social Entrepreneurial Foundation

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, on Thursday, September 8, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agricultural Social Entrepreneurial Foundation (ASEF).

The Chief Executive Officer of ASEF, Mrs. Rosemary Adebayo, signed on behalf of the Foundation, while the Vice-Chancellor of IAUE, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, signed on behalf of the University.

Speaking shortly after the signing, Prof. Onuchuku emphasised the importance of agriculture not only for economic sustenance but also for workforce productivity, noting that hunger affects productivity. He said the Ndele Campus has vast hectares of land available for cultivation and demonstration purposes for Agriculture students and for transforming agricultural produce into valuable forms.

He described the partnership as a welcome development that will drive economic growth, support students in practical training, ensure food availability for the University through productive commercial agriculture, position IAUE as an agricultural hub, promote food sustainability and generate revenue.

On her part, Mrs. Adebayo expressed delight over the partnership and the opportunity to train students. She said the Foundation is working to glamorise agriculture and make it attractive to those who shy away from it.

She added that part of their task is to re-orientate young agriculturists, livestock farmers and intending farmers on the use of organic fertiliser and larvae, to instil a sense of pride in the profession.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Godfrey Kalio, noted that the collaboration is for training and capacity building for the University and host communities, adding that the University will benefit in terms of internally generated revenue.

The MoU, covering collaboration under Project Waste4Meal, will among other things ensure that research activities involving students and staff comply with IAUE's research ethics and academic integrity policies; provide access to relevant academic research and technical expertise, including staff and students participation, subject to institutional policies; facilitate access to appropriate University facilities, laboratories, land and equipment for research, training, demonstration and commercial activities; and integrate Project Waste4Meal activities into relevant academic research and community engagement programmes where appropriate.

The MoU is aimed at establishing a formal framework for institutional cooperation. The Project Waste4Meal aligns with IAUE's strategic objectives in teaching, research, innovation and community engagement and supports the University's positioning as a leader in agricultural innovation and circular economy. It will also expand experiential learning, internship and enterprise development opportunities for students and graduates, and build institutional and professional capacity through training, certification and continuing education programmes.