On January 22, 2025, a significant step was taken to enhance agricultural innovation and strengthen sustainable development in Nigeria. The Deputy Director General for Partnerships for Delivery (P4D) of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Kenton Dashiell, visited Aletheia University, located in Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria, alongside a team of IITA representatives. The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, establishing a framework for collaboration in advancing agricultural research, capacity building, and sustainable development.
Aletheia University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amos Onasanya, extended a warm welcome to the IITA delegation. In his address, Prof. Onasanya highlighted the university’s distinctive approach to higher education, which integrates moral values, academic excellence, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and information and communication technology (ICT) into its curriculum. This comprehensive approach to education is designed to produce well-rounded graduates equipped with a diverse skill set, including agricultural expertise, that can contribute meaningfully to addressing global challenges such as hunger and economic development in Africa.
Prof. Onasanya emphasized that Aletheia University’s mission is to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with practical skills in various fields, particularly in agriculture, to contribute to sustainable development. The university’s commitment to integrating these disciplines aims to address the pressing issues faced by the African continent, including food security, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of economic growth.
The collaboration with IITA is expected to significantly enhance Aletheia University’s capacity to advance agricultural research and innovation, particularly in the context of tropical agriculture, which is crucial for Africa’s economic growth and food security. As part of the MoU, IITA will provide technical expertise and access to its extensive research portfolio, which includes breakthroughs in crop improvement, pest management, soil health, and sustainable farming practices. This partnership will also involve the development of joint research projects, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and the strengthening of academic programs focused on tropical agriculture.
The MoU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including joint research initiatives, training and capacity building for students and staff, and the development of practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Nigeria and the wider African continent. One of the main goals of the partnership is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to drive innovation in agriculture and contribute to the broader development goals of the African continent.
In addition to research and capacity building, the partnership will also focus on promoting the integration of modern technologies into agricultural practices. The collaboration will provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, internships, and fieldwork, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. This will help bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills required in the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the partnership will support the development of new agricultural ventures and entrepreneurial opportunities for students and graduates. Aletheia University’s emphasis on entrepreneurship aligns with IITA’s mission to scale innovative solutions for agriculture and rural development. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the partnership aims to empower students to become leaders in the agricultural sector, driving sustainable growth and creating new opportunities for economic development in Nigeria and beyond.
Overall, this collaboration between IITA and Aletheia University marks a significant milestone in advancing agricultural research and innovation in Nigeria. It is an important step toward addressing the challenges of food security, poverty, and economic development in Africa, while also preparing the next generation of leaders to contribute to the continent’s growth and transformation in the new economic era.
