Campus News

UNILORIN, GFSRD sign MoU to advance rural development

The University of Ilorin, Nigeria and Global Forum for Sustainable Rural Development (GFSRD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable rural development.

The Director, Centre for International Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, disclosed this last Tuesday (January 7, 2025) in a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin.

The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed virtually penultimate Thursday (January 2, 2025), underscored the commitment of the University to fostering global collaboration and driving impactful change in sustainable rural development.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Training and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, described the partnership as a monumental stride in the University’s mission to impact society positively.

He said, “This collaboration will provide our students and researchers with a platform to contribute to global solutions for rural development challenges.”

The Vice Chancellor added that the MoU solidifies a mutual agreement between the University of Ilorin and GFSRD to collaborate in key areas such as research, capacity building and community development.

He added that the partnership would strengthen efforts targeted at achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while enhancing the University’s contribution to rural development initiatives.

On his part, the Director of CIE, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, explained that the MoU is targeted at creating opportunities to provide exchange and internship opportunities for qualified students of both institutions; facilitate staff (e.g. sabbatical) exchange programmes for knowledge on best practices related to rural development.

He also said that the MoU would equally encourage the creation of opportunities to facilitate and coordinate joint research cooperation and curriculum development; organise seminars, academic interactive sessions, and other professional development activities.

Also speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of GFSRD, Dr Jayanta Choudhury, highlighted the importance of the partnership and building alliances that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.

He added that the MoU signing marked the beginning of an exciting journey towards sustainable rural development in Africa.

With the combined expertise and resources of both institutions, this partnership holds great promise for transformative impact at local, national, and global levels.

The event, which was facilitated by Prof. Onireti, was witnessed by Dr Bilqis Abiola Lawal, the Deputy Director, CIE; Dr Abdulhakeem Zubair, the Language Translator, CIE; Prof Oluyemisi Bolajoko Fawole, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Prof. Ganiyu Amuda-Yusuf, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Prof Bola Simeon-Fayomi and Dr Olabanji Oluwafemi Peter, the Desk Officer, University of Ilorin/GFSRD MoU signing.

On the part of the GFSRD were Prof. Manas Mohan Adhikary, former Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India and Member, Board of Directors, President Dr. Shiladitya Chatterjee, and Vice-president Prof. R. R. Prasad, among others.