Shaping the Future of Nigerian Agriculture: ICRISAT Empowers Students Through Educational Excursions
Media Release
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Country Office in Kano, Nigeria is taking meaningful steps to shape the future of agriculture by offering transformative learning experiences for aspiring agricultural professionals. In September 2024, the Institute hosted two groups of university students, providing them with invaluable exposure to cutting-edge agricultural research and practices.
Over 200 students and faculty members from Ahmadu Bello University's Faculty of Agriculture, Zaria, visited ICRISAT Nigeria on 18 September. ICRISAT’s Country Representative, Dr Ignatius Angarawai, welcomed the students and gave them an insightful overview of ICRISAT’s mission and projects aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and enhancing food security in Nigeria.
A highlight of the visit was a hands-on learning experience at ICRISAT's Minjibir Research Farm. Here, students witnessed advanced agricultural experiments, including yield trials for pearl millet and Early Generation Seed production of SAMSORG 52, a newly released sorghum variety developed for food security. The variety features high grain yields (3.7 kg/ha), high iron and zinc content, early maturity, machine harvestability, and strong fodder production. Its dwarf size makes it suitable for areas with security challenges.
The tour extended to livestock management demonstrations, where students learned about forage species and sustainable grazing techniques, deepening their understanding of crop-livestock integration under ICRISAT’s Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP).
On 20 September, ICRISAT hosted another enthusiastic group from the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS) at Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano. The students expressed their gratitude for ICRISAT’s support through the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) program, which has significantly enriched their academic and practical knowledge since 2013.
The NAAS group underscored the importance of continued collaboration with ICRISAT in areas such as crop breeding, irrigated farming, and agricultural entrepreneurship—critical to the future of Nigerian agriculture.
“These educational excursions reflect ICRISAT’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural professionals,” said Dr Angarawai.
In a heartwarming tribute, the NAAS group presented ICRISAT with a Certificate of Honor and Appreciation, acknowledging the Institute’s pivotal role in their educational journey and its dedication to impactful research.
The NAAS expo commends ICRISAT for "shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria and inspiring young leaders to contribute to sustainable agricultural advancements by providing valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities and hands-on experiences," shared Mr Mus'ab Bashir Yusuf, President of NAAS.
By providing these enriching experiences, ICRISAT is empowering future agricultural leaders to drive sustainable innovation, ensuring the continued advancement of agriculture in Nigeria.
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