FUNAAB, French government collaborate nn acuaculture, others

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State and the Government of France are working on collaborating in the areas of agricultural development and academic exchange.

This was disclosed when the Regional Agricultural Counsellor for Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo at the French Embassy, Dr. Sonia Darracq, paid a courtesy call on the University Management.

Darracq expressed interest in collaborating with FUNAAB, noting that there are various avenues where such relationship could be worked out, including academic exchange, technical educational development, and aquaculture. She said the African Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), domiciled in the university, would be relevant in the scheme of things.

She added that within six months after her appointment, she had found out that Nigeria has a lot to offer: “I am here to understand you, and to be able to attract French companies and institutions to Nigeria.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako, welcoming the guests said: “FUNAAB is always eager to have productive collaboration,” adding that the university would be glad to do what is right and needful.

On the possible areas of cooperation, the Vice-Chancellor said: “We need a lot of collaboration in the areas of livestock and ranching, as the university is eager to go into ranching and expanding the existing hectarage of land for cultivation.

The Vice-Chancellor also explained to the French representative, the mandate of the university, and the workings of CEADESE, Industrial Park Unit (IPU), and the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS).

After the tour of the CEADESE Central Laboratory and Library, all the processing sections of IPU; and DUFARMS, she disclosed that FUNAAB indeed had a lot to offer, promising that she would use her good office to find suitable partners, sponsors and foster collaboration with the university.