ABU and University of West Scotland Collaborate on AAKTP

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and the University of the West of Scotland have decided to join forces to work on the African Agricultural Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (AAKTP). The project targets local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in four African nations, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Aiming to Enhance Agricultural Sector Through Knowledge Exchange

The AAKTP project is specifically designed to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building in the agricultural sector. The project will introduce new skills and the latest academic ideas to encourage strategic innovation in agriculture, aiming to enhance economic growth in the target nations.

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, recently secured this partnership with the UK university. Prof. Bala represented ABU at the meeting held at the University of the West of Scotland, where discussions centered on the collaboration and partnership between the two universities.

Facilitating Collaboration Through the African Forum Scotland

These important partnership discussions were facilitated by the African Forum Scotland, particularly by Dr. Festus Olatunde Ogunmola, the Director of the Centre for Policy Research and Development in Glasgow. Prof. Bala was accompanied at the partnership meeting by Prof. Musa Abdullahi Mahadi, the Director of the Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC) at ABU, as well as DAC’s Linkages Coordinator, Dr. Usman Ibrahim, and Dr. Emmanuel Opoola.

High-ranking officials from the University of the West of Scotland were also present, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors Prof. Stephanic Pitticas and Prof. Milan Radosavljevic, Prof. John J. Struthers, Director of the Centre for Africa Research and Economic Development, and Dr. Kingsley O. Omeihe of the School of Business and Creative Industries.

Looking Ahead: An Agricultural Partnership with Potential

This partnership represents a significant step forward in agricultural innovation and knowledge transfer within Africa. By focusing specifically on local SMEs in the target countries, the project has the potential to bring tangible benefits to these economies and their agricultural sectors.

By providing the latest academic insights and new skills, the AAKTP project could bring about strategic innovation in agriculture and stimulate economic growth in the participating nations. As the project progresses, updates and further details on the partnership’s initiatives will be released. This pioneering venture between Ahmadu Bello University and the University of the West of Scotland promises to have a far-reaching impact on agricultural development in Africa.