The enduring partnership between IITA–CGIAR and Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration. By aligning their shared vision and expertise, both institutions have demonstrated how impactful partnerships can drive meaningful outcomes in agricultural research, technological advancements, and youth empowerment. 

To further strengthen this collaboration, ABUAD’s delegation visited IITA headquarters in Ibadan on 21 February. The visit aimed to explore new funding opportunities, advance agricultural research, and develop initiatives that enhance livelihoods and empower youth in the sector. 

Welcoming the delegation, the IITA Deputy Director General for Partnerships for Delivery (IITA-P4D), Kenton Dashiell, emphasized the significance of the partnership, describing it as a crucial roadmap for fostering innovation in agricultural research and development. He also highlighted the recognition IITA recently received from the King of Ado-Ekiti, who commended the institute for its impactful research and contributions to improving lives in the region through its collaboration with ABUAD. 

“Based on the successes and testimonies from our collaboration, we enthusiastically anticipate exploring new areas of partnership,” Dashiell remarked, underscoring the potential for a more significant impact in the future. 

ABUAD’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, also commended the long-standing partnership with IITA. She provided an in-depth overview of ABUAD’s facilities and programs, identifying key areas for collaboration, joint research initiatives, and capacity-building programs for students and faculty members. 

During their visit to some of the institute’s facilities, including IITA Virology and Germplasm Health Unit, Lydia Ogunya, an OGFIMS consultant, introduced the delegates to the Ogun State Farmer Information Management System (OGFIMS)—a World Bank-funded initiative. The delegates expressed keen interest in the platform, and discussions focused on replicating this advanced technology to benefit farmers in ABUAD and across Ekiti State. 

At the IITA Youth in Agribusiness (IYA) unit, IITA-YAW Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement Manager Adetola Adenmosun advocated for a stronger collaboration between the two institutions to expand the Youth Employment in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture (YEASA) project beyond the Southwest region, recognizing its significant achievements. 

The wrap-up session focused on strategic areas to deepen collaboration between IITA and ABUAD. Key discussions revolved around: 

• Joint research proposals to drive innovation in agricultural development. 
• Leveraging World Bank-assisted initiatives to establish OGFIMS at ABUAD and Ekiti State. 
• Securing IITA’s technical training support for ABUAD’s Bogoro Center and Industrial Park. 
• Strengthening mechanization and irrigation systems through technical collaborations. 

Dashiell commended ABUAD’s infrastructure and commitment to improving the agricultural sector, highlighting its potential to attract international grants and funding. 

“IITA pledges to support ABUAD in proposal writing, research collaboration, and other strategic areas while encouraging the university to proactively seek international funding opportunities,” he affirmed. 

The visit reinforced both institutions’ shared commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing agricultural productivity, and empowering the next generation of agripreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.