Covenant University has taken a significant step towards improving agriculture in Africa by hosting a high-level team from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), one of China’s premier agricultural research institutes.
The visit aimed to establish a strong partnership to combat food shortages and support modern farming in Nigeria and other countries. The team was led by Professor Huang Jun, Vice President of JAAS, along with other top researchers and department heads. Professor Timothy Anake, the Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, and other top leaders at the Ota-based school warmly received the Chinese delegation.
At the meeting, both sides shared ideas and brainstormed ways to collaborate on research, share innovative farming practices, and train young people in farming and agribusiness. Some of the main areas they aim to focus on include enhancing palm oil production, increasing rice yields, and adopting climate-resilient farming methods.
Covenant University showcased its extensive 1,500-hectare palm oil plantation and outlined its plans to increase production. The two institutions now plan to establish joint labs, exchange programmes, and innovation hubs to support farmers and enhance food production. The partnership will be officially sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). JAAS has also invited Covenant University to visit Jiangsu, China, to continue discussions and further develop their plans.
This collaboration combines JAAS’s 94 years of agricultural research experience with the growing academic power of Covenant University. Both institutions claim to be committed to collaborating to find innovative solutions to Africa’s food challenges and creating new opportunities in agriculture. The visit concluded with hope for a brighter future, built on innovation, teamwork, and sustainable farming, between Africa and China.
