The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), through its Youth in Agribusiness (YAS) programme, has announced a strategic partnership with Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, aimed at training students in various agricultural schemes designed to be scalable into startup businesses. The initiative is intended to foster independence among students and position them as job creators rather than job seekers.

A delegation from IITA, comprising Mr. Idowu Osun (Business Development Officer, YAS Programme), Mrs. Veronica Magaji (Agribusiness Hub Manager), Mr. Babatunde Ajaja (Communication Officer), and Mr. Damola Ojelere (Admin and Finance Officer), visited the University to inform the management of the collaboration.

Receiving the IITA team in her office, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, expressed her appreciation to the IITA team for considering the institution for the partnership. She emphasised that the University is keen on collaborations that yield positive outcomes for its students and enhance the institution’s image.

Prof. Oduwole also sought IITA’s technical support in expanding the University’s agricultural farm, with the goal of making it a model reference point. Expressing her enthusiasm for the initiative, she stated, “I am glad that you’ve come not just to sensitise but to make our job easy,” noting that the core objective is to keep students productively engaged. She further promised that the University’s management team would pay a courtesy visit to IITA in the near future.

Earlier in the day, the IITA team visited the University’s Offa-Meta campus, accompanied by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Olukayode Binuyo; the Registrar, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun; the University Librarian, Dr Mrs Bosede Ajiboye; and other support staff.

They were received by the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Moses Adebayo, and a gathering of students eager to learn about the programme.

Addressing the students, Mr. Idowu Osun explained the distinction between traditional agriculture and modern agribusiness, urging them to cultivate a positive mindset toward the latter. He described agribusiness as a broader field that offers a viable pathway to financial freedom.

Following the session, the IITA team, guided by the Dean, Prof. Moses Adebayo, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the faculty’s teaching and research facilities, including the piggery, nursery, and fish pond.

Commending the University’s existing agricultural infrastructure, Mr. Osun offered expert advice and announced that IITA would support the Faculty of Agriculture with a pumping machine and a rechargeable knapsack sprayer to enhance farm operations.