RSSDA, Varsity Sign Pact On Agric Research, Training

The Rivers State
Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  with the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, in the areas of research training and research of personnel and students of the University at the Rivers Songhai Farm in Bunu-Tai, Tai Local Government.
The Executive Director of the Agency, Mr Noble Pepple who signed on behalf of the Agency in Port Harcourt said that the Rivers Songhai Farm project was part of the vision of the State Government to train the next generation of farmers.
Pepple said that over one thousand aspiring farmers visit the farm yearly, while over one hundred students visit the farm yearly for internship.
He also said that, a number of universities around the state have also entered into collaboration with the Agency for the training of their students in their faculties of Agriculture at the farm.
He thanked the University for the Partnership, expressing optimism that the collaboration would help both the Agency and the university to explore areas that will be of mutual benefits to the both partners.
The vice chancellor Federal University of Akure, Professor Adebiyi Darumuta said that the agreement would enable the University to explore all the opportunities available at the Rivers Songhai Farm for training and research in the institution’s faulty of Agriculture, Professor Darumola said that the MoU which has a lifespan of five years would enable students of the university to gain practical experience in Agriculture.
The FUTA Vice Chancellor said that the University has the best faulty of Agriculture in Nigeria, stressing that the partnership is a part of the effort by the government for the training of next generation of farmers in the country.
He also stressed the need for research institutions to focus on the production of seedlings and assured that the university will take maximum advantage of the Agreement to improve its capacity.