UI and Argentinian Experts Collaborate on Postgraduate Courses
The University of Ibadan (UI) partnered with experts from Argentinian universities to offer short postgraduate courses at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The University of Ibadan (UI), in partnership with a team of experts from various Argentinian universities, has recently concluded a two-week program offering short postgraduate courses at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI). This collaboration aims to address significant agricultural challenges in Nigeria through science, technology, and innovation.
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UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, expressed the university's enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing its focus on agriculture—a crucial area for Nigeria’s development. He highlighted the potential for science and innovation to transform the agricultural sector, where 80% to 85% of Nigerians are engaged but lack technological support to enhance productivity and export capacity.
Professor Adebowale underscored the need for value-added agriculture and improved extension systems, urging the youth to view agriculture as a viable business opportunity that could bolster Nigeria’s economy. He advocated for adopting modern agricultural practices and innovations, aligning with PAULESI's vision to integrate research more deeply into agricultural solutions.
The Vice-Chancellor also invited the visiting Argentinian scholars to formalize their collaboration with UI through capacity-building initiatives and potential grants, aiming for a Memorandum of Understanding or a Memorandum of Action to solidify the partnership.
The team leader, Lic. Clara Cerrotta, thanked UI and PAULESI for their support, noting that the collaboration process has been firmly established and is set to continue. The visit, part of a South-South collaboration program, brought mutual benefits to the Argentinian team and African universities.
The courses provided during the program were:
- Food Sovereignty, Agri-food for Social Inclusion, and Value Addition
- Risk Management for Agriculture in a Climate Change Context
- Pig Production: Basic Knowledge and Application
These courses were attended by students from PAULESI, UI, and various research institutes in Ibadan, including the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), and the National Institute for Horticultural Research and Training (NIHORT). Participants from other African countries also joined online.
The Argentinian delegation comprised experts from three universities: National University of Nurlingham, National University of the Northwest of the Province of Buenos Aires, and National University of Quilmes. Key members included Prof. Daniel Anaya, Prof. Lina Merino, Prof. Natalia Pin Viso, Prof. Angel Paritvaci, Mr. Agustin Sola, and Prof. Lvis Blacha.
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This educational exchange marks a significant step in enhancing agricultural practices and research, fostering a sustainable future for agriculture in Nigeria and beyond.
