By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), has strengthened its partnership with the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), a leading international organization dedicated to promoting food security, agricultural productivity, and rural development across Africa.
In a statement released by the Head, Public Relations Unit of the College, Mrs. Oyekemi Wilson, on Monday, October 6, 2025, the 105-year-old institution announced that the renewed partnership reaffirms both parties’ commitment to advancing agricultural education, research, and extension services in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the College, the SAA delegation, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Anjolaoluwa Fadairo, Project Manager, alongside Dr. Bidemi Ajibola, Project Officer, and Mr. Patrick Akpu, commended FCAIB for its sustained leadership and impact in agricultural development.
“We prioritise this College because of the remarkable impact it has made in agricultural development and the quality of graduates it continues to produce. FCAIB stands out as a dependable institution capable of sustaining innovations and transferring practical knowledge to farmers and extension agents,” Dr. (Mrs.) Anjolaoluwa Fadairo, Sasakawa Africa Association.
The visit also reaffirmed the long-standing relationship between FCAIB and SAA, which began with the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) programme in 1991. Established through the vision of Ryoichi Sasakawa, Jimmy Carter, and Dr. Norman Borlaug, the Sasakawa Africa Association has since impacted over 10 million smallholder farmers in Nigeria through productivity improvement, knowledge dissemination, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Fadairo noted that the SAFE programme has produced mid-career agricultural extension professionals, many of whom now occupy key leadership positions as directors, researchers, and professors across Nigeria.
“Some of our past trainees from this programme are now professors and even directors of agriculture across Nigeria. We look forward to seeing one of them become a Vice-Chancellor soon,” she added.
In his remarks, the Provost of FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, expressed deep appreciation to SAA for its unwavering partnership, emphasizing that the renewed collaboration aligns with the College’s mission of producing skilled manpower and driving innovations for sustainable agricultural growth. He noted that the partnership will focus on curriculum enhancement, extension training, regenerative and transformative agriculture, joint research, and community-based projects aimed at improving food security and productivity.
Dignitaries present included Dr. (Mrs.) Kayode Olubunmi, Dean, School of Agriculture; Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Okpeze, Dean, School of Basic Studies and Media Technology; Dr. Adebayo Adediran, Director of Academic and Strategic Planning; Engr. Dr. Bukola Afolabi, Director of Research, Innovation and Development; Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Sodamola, Director of Entrepreneurship; and Engr. Dr. Akinyele, Head of Procurement.
The College Deans and Directors lauded the Sasakawa Africa Association for its enduring contributions to agricultural development, pledging continued support to ensure the success of the partnership. This renewed collaboration, the statement added, reinforces FCAIB’s position as a Centre of Excellence in agricultural innovation and extension education, enhancing its role in national agricultural transformation, food security, and youth empowerment.
