AATF Delegation Visits IAR, ABU Zaria to Strengthen TELA Maize Partnership

AATF Delegation Visits IAR, ABU Zaria to Strengthen TELA Maize Partnership

Maize
July 31, 2026

Today 28th July 2026, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) on a familiarization visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two institutions and reviewing the progress of the TELA Maize Programme.

The delegation was received on behalf of the Executive Director, Prof. Ado Yusuf, by the Principal Investigator of the TELA Maize Project, Prof. Rabiu S. Adamu, and the TELA Maize Communication Officer, Mr. Yakubu Dodo, who guided the visitors through the Institute’s research facilities and ongoing maize improvement activities. The AATF delegation was led by senior officials, including Roy Mugiira (Senior Manager, Product Development Commercialization), Sylvia Kyenne (Vice Chair, AATF Board), Kayode Sanni (Global Lead, TELA Maize), Prof. Garba A. Sharubutu (Chair of the Nigeria Board), Olawale Ojo (Hybrid Seed Market Development Manager), Yarama Ndirpaya (TELA Program Manager) and Alex Abutu, (Communication Officer).

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to assess the progress of the TELA Maize Programme, inspect IAR’s irrigation facilities and on-station maize research fields, and gain firsthand insight into the Institute’s capacity for maize improvement, field evaluation, and seed production. The visitors expressed delight with the quality of the research activities, the condition of the maize fields, and the Institute’s modern irrigation infrastructure that supports year-round research.

During discussions with the research team, AATF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding its collaboration with IAR, noting that the successful deployment of improved agricultural technologies depends on strong institutional partnerships, effective research, robust seed systems, and efficient technology dissemination. The delegation also commended IAR for its professionalism, hospitality, and remarkable contributions to maize research and agricultural innovation in Nigeria.

The familiarization visit further strengthened the strategic partnership between IAR and AATF, reaffirming their shared commitment to developing and delivering improved maize technologies that will enhance productivity, strengthen food security, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Nigeria and Africa.

Through strong partnerships and cutting-edge research, IAR continues to drive agricultural innovation and deliver technologies that transform lives.