The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Bells University of Technology (BUT), Ota, Ogun State, have signed an agreement to join forces on various aspects of Agripreneurship development. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in Ota, will see IITA and BUT collaborate on the establishment of an Incubation Hub in Ota to cater for the youths in Agripreneurship. The two institutions also agreed to make BUT a Centre and Agricultural Station for farmers in Ota metropolis and environs, to articulate on-farm challenges, joint research and engage in feedback on relevant solutions.

The deal also includes the development of an Agripreneurship curriculum with input from the already established MBA program in Agriculture run by IITA with the University of Ibadan, as well as the facilitation of joint research and grant proposals by experts on both sides. According to IITA’s Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, Dr. Kenton Dashiell, the MOU provides a linkage to foster cooperation for the development and implementation of collaborative programs, including technical backstopping to BUT’s Centre for Agricultural Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies (CATES) that will equip graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship. Guardian