UI, University of Florida Explore Partnership to Strengthen Agricultural Research, Food Security
Oru Leonard
The University of Ibadan and the University of Florida are set to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing agricultural research, dairy production, forage science and sustainable farming practices in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, received a delegation from the University of Florida led by Professor Adegbola T. Adesogan during a courtesy visit to his office.
Professor Adebowale described the proposed collaboration as timely and beneficial, saying it would help strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He noted that although Nigerian universities produce substantial research, the major challenge remains translating research findings into practical solutions that benefit farmers.
Drawing from his experience at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, where agriculture featured prominently in a national policy programme, the Vice-Chancellor identified the country’s weak agricultural extension system as a key constraint to agricultural development.
He contrasted Nigeria’s situation with Israel, where close collaboration among government, researchers and farmers has driven high agricultural productivity despite limited natural resources.
Adebowale also highlighted the University of Ibadan’s growing international footprint, revealing that the institution currently has more than 200 active Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), all of which have been digitised for effective monitoring.
According to him, the proposed partnership will promote research, innovation, technology transfer and capacity building in areas such as precision agriculture, livestock production and sustainable food systems, with the goal of improving food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Professor Adesogan, Associate Vice President for Global Engagement at the University of Florida and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, described the visit as a homecoming and pledged to give back to his alma mater.
He said the University of Florida is one of the leading public universities in the United States, with significant investments in artificial intelligence, including more than 300 AI professors and over 200 AI courses across different disciplines.
Adesogan disclosed that Nigeria was selected as one of the University of Florida’s priority countries for global collaboration, with the University of Ibadan identified as a key institutional partner because of its strong academic reputation and research capacity.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to promoting global engagement, research collaboration and innovation-driven agricultural development through the proposed partnership.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor T. O. Ososanya, said the visit was to explore collaboration in agricultural research, innovation and capacity building.
According to him, the partnership will initially focus on dairy science, forage research, feed and fodder production, while creating opportunities for broader cooperation in agricultural innovation and food security.
Other members of the visiting delegation included Ms. Maria Mailhos, Mr. Blade Koons, Dr. Marcelo Wallau, Dr. Olanrewaju Olabode, Professor Bamikole Musibau and Dr. Olaleru Ibikunle.
