ILRI Collaborates with FUNAAB on Gates Funded Livestock Feed Security Research

The International Livestock Research Institute has entered into a research partnership with the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta on a Gates Foundation funded project aimed at improving livestock feed security and nutrition in Nigeria through sustainable and innovative technologies.

The collaboration, titled Improving Livestock Feed Security and Nutrition through Sustainable Innovative Technologies in Nigeria, commenced with a facility inspection visit by an ILRI research team to FUNAAB on January 21, 2026, as part of preparatory activities ahead of full project implementation.

The project focuses on on station feeding trials using microbial protein based Fermented Feed Proteins as alternatives to conventional protein sources in broiler diets, with the objective of strengthening livestock nutrition and reducing dependence on traditional feed inputs.

The ILRI delegation comprised Dr Adebayo Adebola, Dr Ben Lukuyu, Dr Melkamu Bezabih, Dr Bayissa Hatew, Dr Odekunle Temiope, Mr Folusho Onifade and Mrs Motunrayo Atanda. They were received by members of the FUNAAB team, including the Dean of the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, Prof Abimbola Oso, and Prof Vincent Jegede.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the University Librarian, Prof Abayomi Owolabi, conveyed Prof Babatunde Kehinde’s assurance of robust institutional support for the successful execution of the collaborative research.

The Vice Chancellor described the visit of the ILRI scholars from Kenya, Ethiopia and Nigeria as a homecoming, assuring them of a conducive academic and research environment capable of supporting high impact and globally relevant studies. He noted that FUNAAB is widely recognised as the leading University of Agriculture in Africa and ranks among the top agricultural institutions globally.

According to him, the University possesses critical research enabling infrastructure, particularly in information access. He disclosed that FUNAAB is the only University in Nigeria with access to more than 65 academic and research databases, including EBSCO, AGORA, Research4Life and INARI, all accessible remotely through mobile devices.

He explained that researchers can access current and credible research materials without physical presence in the Library, adding that the University Library is equipped with up to date books, modern facilities and extensive scholarly resources. He further stated that FUNAAB academics enjoy strong global research visibility, with outputs indexed on Google Scholar and other reputable platforms.

Emphasising the centrality of information to research excellence, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the Library’s commitment to providing free, reliable and relevant information support to scholars and research collaborators.

As part of the visit, the Vice Chancellor personally led the ILRI team on a guided tour of the University Library, highlighting available research resources and infrastructure.

In appreciation of the partnership and reception, the visiting ILRI scholars presented a gift to the Vice Chancellor, commending FUNAAB for its hospitality and commitment to the success of the collaborative project.