In its drive to share the commitment of France and Nigeria, some high-level delegation comprising heads of technical colleges of agriculture from Nigeria has embarked on a pivotal mission to France to explore ways to empower young women in modern agricultural techniques, farm management as well as agroecology.
According to a statement issued by the French Embassy in Abuja, the mission was part of the WATEA project “Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship in Nigeria” granted by the French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs with almost 600,000 EUR in 2023, and implemented in coordination with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
In the statement, the departing delegation, the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann said “as we convene for the first stakeholders meeting of the “Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship in Nigeria Project (WATEA), we find ourselves at the nexus of innovation and partnership.
“Secondly, I am pleased to recognize the imminent departure of a high-level delegation of distinguished heads of technical agriculture institutions, bound for France next week. This journey shows a profound commitment to knowledge exchange and the strengthening of ties between our educational systems.
“The Delegation’s visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering advancements in agricultural education, and I am confident it will lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. As you explore our institutions and engage with our academic community, I am confident that this exchange will not only enhance your understanding of the French education system but also pave the way for fruitful collaborations between our nations.
“The mission, spanning 10-17 December is aimed at fostering collaboration, exploring governance models, and strengthening ties with local institutions, professionals, and the vibrant local agricultural production network.
“The mission itinerary included visits to prominent educational institutions, government bodies, and agricultural enterprises in Paris and South-West of France.”
As part of the key objectives of the mission the delegation would engage in high-level discussions and workshops with counterparts from the French Ministry of Agriculture and French technical colleges in agriculture, to gain insights into effective governance models within the landscape of agricultural education institutions.
In the same vein, the mission would understand the nuances of local production are crucial for sustainable agricultural education even as the delegation would also visit agricultural sites, engage with local producers, and explore ways to integrate these experiences into their curriculum.
The delegation comprises twelve members from six institutions namely Dr. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State (OYSCATECH) Oyo State; Amao Olufunmilola, Head of Department,Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State (OYSCATECH) Oyo State; Dr. Olufemi Oladunni Executive Director/CEO Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State (ARMTI) Kwara State and Aremu Adeola Olabisi Assistant Chief Management Development Officer Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Ilorin, Kwara State (ARMTI) Kwara State.
Others included Dr. Njideka Rita Chiekezie Rector Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu, Anambra State (ANSPOLY) Anambra State; Ndulue Nonso Kizito Head of Department Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu, Anambra State (ANSPOLY) Anambra State; Rev. Fr. Dr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, Rector Enugu State College of Agriculture and Agro- Entrepreneurship (ESPOLY) Enugu State and Agu, Chibuzo Innocent Principal Lecturer, Enugu State College of Agriculture and Agro- Entrepreneurship (ESPOLY) Enugu State among others