ACU, CRIN Partner on Agricultural Development

A team of agricultural experts from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) on Tuesday visited Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) to explore areas of collaboration in agricultural development and the productive use of the University’s vast lands in Kieseni, Offa-Meta, and Osoogun.

The CRIN delegation, led by Canon Dr. Famuyiwa, included the Head of Cashew Research, Dr. Adeniyi; Agronomist, Dr. Adejobi; and Mrs. Adeniran from the Value Addition Department.

They were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Muyiwa Popoola; Acting Registrar, Ven. Olusegun Ojo; University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Bosede Ajiboye; Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Moses Adebayo; Principal Assistant Registrar (VC’s Office), Mr. Abayomi Oduntan; and the University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olufemi Atoyebi.

Prof. Oduwole explained that the invitation to CRIN was twofold; first, to participate in the forthcoming exhibition scheduled for the University’s 17th Convocation Ceremony on November 24 and 25, and second, to establish a formal partnership aimed at expanding agricultural ventures across ACU’s campuses.

“We have campuses in Osoogun, Kieseni, and Offa-Meta, and we are exploring ways to expand our agricultural initiatives. This collaboration is about what we can achieve together,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

In response, Canon Dr. Famuyiwa commended the Vice-Chancellor’s vision, noting that similar collaborations between CRIN and Obafemi Awolowo University had produced positive results. He added that the partnership with ACU would not only enhance agricultural innovation but also attract more students to study agriculture at ACU.

Dr. Adeniyi expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating that Osoogun’s soil texture was particularly suitable for cashew cultivation and that the partnership could pave the way for developing new cashew varieties in Nigeria.