Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
IAR Hosts High-Powered Chinese Delegation to
Strengthen Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer
In
a landmark step toward deepening international collaboration in agricultural
research and innovation, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) on
January 19, 2026, received a high-powered delegation from the Hubei Provincial
Technology Market Association (HPTMA), Wuhan, China, at Ahmadu Bello University
(ABU), Zaria for a two days working visit. The delegation, made up of
experienced scientists, leading industrialists, and innovative entrepreneurs,
was warmly received by a strong team led by IAR, alongside the leadership of
NAERLS, NAPRI, and the Faculty of Agriculture.
The
visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed,
where the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, briefed him on the
background of the engagement. He explained that the partnership originated from
the annual Technology and Innovation Forum, which culminated in the signing of
two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focused on rice and oilseed development.
Prof. Yusuf expressed strong optimism that the collaboration would deliver
far-reaching, transformative outcomes for agricultural development in both
Nigeria and China.
Speaking
on behalf of the Chinese delegation, Prof. Yuan highlighted what he described
as the “productivity indicators” of the partnership—combining ABU’s vast human
capital and research facilities with Wuhan’s advanced technological ecosystem.
He unveiled key components of the collaboration, including the establishment of
a Sesame Breeding Center and a Northwest Knowledge Transfer Center at IAR, as
well as the introduction of fully funded PhD research residencies in China
under a robust student exchange programme. Prof. Yuan also extended a formal
invitation to the Vice-Chancellor to participate in the upcoming China-Africa
Innovation Forum and Entrepreneurial Competition in Wuhan.
The
Nigeria–China contact person, Senator Mubarak A. Tijjani, expressed
satisfaction with the depth of the engagement, noting that the partnership
provides a practical scientific roadmap for strengthening food security while
opening profitable opportunities within the textile and oilseed value chains.
In
his response, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed commended the IAR leadership
and the Chinese delegation for their proactive approach. He described China as
a strategic partner, citing its remarkable success in achieving food
self-sufficiency. He further reaffirmed that the ABU Agricultural Complex
remains the leading hub of agricultural expertise and facilities in West
Africa, positioning it as a reliable partner for global research collaboration.
Following
the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to IAR, where they were received
by principal officers and former Executive Directors, underscoring the high
strategic importance attached to the partnership. The session featured
insightful technical presentations on areas of mutual interest delivered by
Prof. H. Mani, Prof. Maimuna Abdulmalik, Prof. Aminu Saleh, as well as Dr.
Grace Luka and Dr. Ruqayya Sami.
In
his remarks, former Executive Director Prof. Ado Garki emphasized that the
collaboration would catalyze facility upgrades, ease market entry for
agricultural products, and build a skilled workforce aligned with the shared
priorities of Nigeria and China. The engagement concluded with a vote of thanks
by the Deputy Director, Prof. Nafiu Abdu, as participants looked forward to
further technical engagements scheduled for the following day.
#IAR #InternationalCollaboration #ChinaNigeriaPartnership #AgriculturalInnovation #TechnologyTransfer #FoodSecurity #ABUZaria #ResearchForDevelopment
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