The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), has strengthened its commitment to industry-driven agricultural education through the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading agribusiness organizations aimed at enhancing students’ practical training, research, and entrepreneurial development.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Provost of the College, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, emphasized the growing importance of industry partnerships in agricultural education, noting that current policy directions encourage institutions to adopt more practical, skills-based training models. He explained that institutions are now expected to deliver up to 70 percent practical training through direct engagement with industry players, making such collaborations critical to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural practice.
Professor Atungwu commended the partnering organizations for their commitment to youth empowerment and innovation in agriculture, reaffirming the College’s resolve to produce graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
The signing ceremony was attended by key Management of the College, including the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Musiliu O. Adenekan, and the Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. Victoria E. Okpeze. Present also were the Registrar’s representative, Mrs. Olanike A. Popoola; the Director of Audit, Mr. Olakunle Karunwi and the Director of Strategic Planning and Development, Dr. Ayanfeoluwa. The Head of the Legal Unit, Barrister Samuel Elum, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Nike Komolafe, were also in attendance. The Students’ Union Government was represented by its President, Comrade Femi Arala.
One of the partner organizations, Kokari Coconut & Company, was represented by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Ebun Feludu, alongside Mrs. Allen Mary and Mr. Oluwafemi.
Mrs. Feludu presented the company’s partnership framework, outlining three key initiatives designed to benefit students and the College community: the Kokari Fellowship Programme, the Blue Coconut Project, and the Kokari Cash Lab.
She explained that the Fellowship Programme would provide structured one-year internship opportunities across the agribusiness value chain, including production, processing, marketing, and sales, alongside mentorship, stipends, accommodation support and potential employment pathways.
She also introduced the Blue Coconut Project, which promotes sustainable coconut farming through intercropping systems that deliver both short-term income and long-term agricultural benefits, as well as the Kokari Cash Lab, a digital platform designed to create entrepreneurial and income-generating opportunities for students and staff. She noted that the partnership aligns with the company’s vision of empowering young people with practical agricultural skills, industry exposure, and entrepreneurial capacity, while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Another partner organization, AB Agrotech Ltd, was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abraham Gbenro, alongside Mrs. Florence Oladeji and Mr. Gideon Ogungbenro.
The company outlined its commitment to collaborating with FCAIB in agricultural production, research, and youth empowerment programmes, with particular focus on cassava, legumes, and vegetable value chains.
Mr. Gbenro emphasized plans to strengthen value-chain development through the provision of production inputs, technical support, and structured buy-back arrangements that would guarantee market access for farmers and trainees. Mrs. Oladeji added that the partnership would also support capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving productivity, innovation, and sustainability in agribusiness.
During the discussions, the College management expressed optimism that the partnerships would create meaningful opportunities for students, enhance practical learning outcomes, and strengthen FCAIB’s role in advancing agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.
The College’s Legal Unit confirmed that all agreements underwent proper review and vetting before final approval and signing.
In his closing remarks, Professor Atungwu described the partnerships as a significant milestone in the College’s drive to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, noting that the collaborations would benefit both students and the wider agricultural sector.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MOUs and a renewed commitment by all parties to advance agricultural education, research, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Credit: Wilson Oyekemi, Head, Public Relations Unit
