Professor Emmanuel Babatunde of the Lincoln University and Dr. Kelebogile Setiloane, of the University of Delaware, in the United States of America, have visited the University, for the possibility of collaboration.
Professor Babatunde, a Nigerian-American, who hails from Imeko in Ogun State, stated that with the University’s recent designation as a Centre of Excellence by the World Bank, it is easier to go into partnership in the areas of cultivation, processing and distribution of food crops.
He disclosed that research should not be monolithic but rather multidisciplinary before it could be regarded as having been properly conducted and would, therefore, work towards making the best use of the University’s research efforts for societal development.
Dr Setiloane, who is Professor Babatunde’s spouse, said that she shared the same passion with her husband, adding that she had been teaching her students what Africa is really about, contrary to what the western media allegedly portrayed the continent to be.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Felix Salako, reiterated the significance of sending students of the University for the compulsory Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS). He said through the programme, students were able to feel the impact of the environment while the communities in turn, benefit from the socio-economic development associated with the Scheme.
Professor Oyewole said with the establishment of the World Bank Africa Centre for Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CADESE) in the University, the institution was now better equipped to embark on the collaboration being envisaged.
