IAR, ABU Zaria Takes Leading Role at 2026 TELA Maize Stewardship Extension Training of Trainers Workshop

IAR, ABU Zaria Takes Leading Role at 2026 TELA Maize Stewardship Extension Training of Trainers Workshop

Training/Workshop
June 15, 2026

Today, 8th June 2026, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is actively participating in the 2026 Stewardship Extension Training of Trainers Workshop under the TELA Maize Project of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), taking place at Golden Orange Gate, Kaduna.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in agricultural research, extension, and technology dissemination, including Zonal REFILS Coordinators from across the country, the management of National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), and their zonal coordinators, all working towards strengthening stewardship and extension delivery for the successful deployment of TELA Maize technology in Nigeria.

As the coordinating institution responsible for the development and release of the TELA Maize varieties in Nigeria, IAR played a prominent role at the event. In his welcome address, the Executive Director IAR, Prof. Ado Yusuf, warmly received participants and emphasized the importance of effective stewardship, farmer education, and stakeholder collaboration in ensuring the sustainable adoption and long-term success of TELA Maize technology.

The Institute is strongly represented at the workshop by Prof. R. S. Adamu, Principal Investigator of the TELA Maize BMSS Project; Dr. Maryam Shehu Usman, the BMSS Project Stewardship Lead; and Dr. Sharhabil Musa Yahaya, Head of the Agricultural Extension Unit, IAR, who also serves as the Northwest Zonal REFILS Coordinator.

The workshop provides an important platform for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and harmonization of extension strategies that will support the responsible dissemination of TELA Maize technology to farmers across Nigeria. Discussions are focused on stewardship principles, extension methodologies, regulatory compliance, resistance management, and best practices for technology deployment.

Participants have expressed enthusiasm about the quality of discussions and the opportunities for collaboration among research institutions, extension agencies, and development partners.

The event further underscores IAR’s leadership role in agricultural innovation and its commitment to ensuring that improved technologies reach farmers effectively, responsibly, and sustainably.

Through research, innovation, and extension, IAR continues to lead the transformation of maize production and food security in Nigeria.