The United States of America government, through its representatives from the American Embassy in Nigeria, has sought to collaborate with the University on the Fullbright Academic Exchange Programme. The expression for the collaboration was made known during a visit by a 3-man team, led by Mr. Aruna Amithaneyagum, from the American Embassy, Abuja to the University. Speaking on behalf of the team, Mr. Clemson Ayegbusi, who is representing the US Consulate, Lagos said that they were happy to be in the University and learn about its unique programmes.
According to Mr. Ayegbusi, “Universities of Agriculture are some of the universities we should be working with, going by the Federal Government’s plan to diversify the economy, as the various Universities of Agriculture are pivotal to promoting the nation’s economy. Therefore, in fulfilling that, the University (FUNAAB) has a role to play”, he added.Mr. Ayegbusi said that so far, the US government was working with 26 universities that are presently on its Fullbright Programme in the country. He added that the criteria for selecting a university would ensure that such had the capacity to host US scholars that would be coming to the University throughout the period of the programme.He described the programme as a ‘win-win’ situation for both the University and the US government such that the US government would be responsible for the cost of flight and salaries of the scholars sent down, while the University would be responsible for the scholars’ accommodation and welfare throughout the period. He disclosed further that another day would be scheduled for the team from the US Embassy, to come back and inspect facilities on ground.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Development), Professor Ololade Enikuomehin, appreciated the team for visiting FUNAAB and assured them that the University was fully ready to welcome the inspection team whenever they were ready to do so.He said that a University, as big as FUNAAB, had the capacity they required to host American scholars that would be sent down for the exchange programme. Present at the occasion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Academic), Professor Oluyemisi Eromosele; the University Registrar, Mr. Mathew Ayoola; the Acting Bursar, Mrs. Oluremi Oyewunmi; and Dean, Post Graduate School, Professor Wilfred Alegbeleye.