UI Vice-Chancellor Affirms Strategic Partnership with IITA for Food Security and Agricultural Innovation

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasized that the collaboration between the University of Ibadan (UI) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a deliberate strategic partnership, not a coincidence.

Professor Adebowale made the statement during a courtesy visit by the University’s management to the office of IITA Director General, Dr. Simeon Ehui. He noted that IITA’s mission to improve food security, reduce poverty, and develop sustainable agricultural systems aligns closely with the research and training priorities of UI’s Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources. “The two institutions are united not just by location, but by a common DNA of research, partnership, and delivery,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor outlined a framework for deepening the partnership, proposing integrated research and postgraduate training, institutional capacity and infrastructure sharing, and commercialization and community impact as key pillars. He stressed the urgency of African agricultural challenges and the need for UI and IITA to work in close harmony, reaffirming UI’s readiness to be IITA’s most committed academic partner. Plans for a Memorandum of Understanding were proposed to formalize and mainstream collaborations.

Dr. Ehui welcomed the visit, noting that IITA would commemorate its 60th anniversary next year and emphasizing the institute’s commitment to translating science into innovation. He highlighted IITA’s role in capacity development, with 49 Master’s and 29 PhD students from UI currently engaged in research and fieldwork at the institute. The collaboration extends to sabbaticals, short-term courses, internships, and volunteer opportunities for students and faculty.

The Interim Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling, Dr. Tahirou Abdoulaye, presented IITA’s value proposition, focusing on genetic improvement, resilient agri-food systems, system transformation, soil health, waste management, and youth and women empowerment through skills and agribusiness.

Members of the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage included Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professor Peter O. Olapegba and Professor Simisola O. Akintola; Deans of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Professors Tolulope Ososanya and Adejoke Akinyele; Dean of Students Professor Demola Lewis; and other senior officials.