FUNAAB Proposes Centre of Excellence to Honour AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has proposed the establishment of the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Innovations.

This was contained in a statement made available by Olasunkanmi Olajide , the Acting Director of Public Relations of the University.

According to Olajide, the proposed centre of excellence is aimed at fostering sustainable development.

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The statement read : “In a bold move to deepen agricultural innovation, intensify agricultural revitalising efforts and, also foster sustainable development across Africa, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has proposed the establishment of the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Innovations.

The proposal was presented directly to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, during a high-level meeting in Abuja on April 11, 2025. The FUNAAB delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, and Prof. Israel Osunsina. The Team was invited to the nation’s capital to expound on the vision, scope, and impact of the proposed Centre.

The proposal, which had been initially transmitted to Dr. Adesina at the beginning of the year, underscored the University’s commitment to championing cutting-edge agricultural research, youth empowerment, and strategic partnerships across the continent. It also served as a tribute to Dr. Adesina’s globally acclaimed contributions to agriculture, food security, and rural development.

Also present during the courtesy visit was Dr. Adesina’s wife, Mrs. Oluyemisi Adesina, who graciously received the team alongside her husband, a recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University in 2020.

The meeting was marked by warm interactions and a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s agricultural landscape through purposeful collaboration and innovation.

The proposed Centre, if established, is expected to serve as a hub for transformative research, knowledge transfer, and practical solutions to key challenges in the agricultural sector, aligning with FUNAAB’s mission and Dr. Adesina’s enduring legacy, the statement affirmed.