Education
DELSU Deepens Internationalization Drive, Partners With U.S. College ABAC On Food Security
In a move that underscores its commitment to global academic excellence, the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, today formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Tifton, Georgia, USA. The partnership is a major stride in the internationalization vision spearheaded by DELSU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba.
This collaboration is particularly significant as DELSU continues to rise in global recognition, currently holding the position of the best state university in Nigeria and the 12th best university nationally according to a recent ranking by the Times Higher Education (THE). This new partnership is designed to match DELSU’s rising stature with world-class, specialized expertise.
ABAC’s Heritage and Expertise in AgriTech
Established in 1908, ABAC is a vital part of the public university system of the state of Georgia. It is renowned for its century-long expertise and robust programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Healthcare.
The college’s School of Agriculture and Natural Resources is highly respected, offering bachelor’s degrees in specialized fields such as Agricultural Technology Management, Agribusiness, and Environmental Horticulture. ABAC emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience, utilizing facilities like its 400-acre J.G. Woodroof Farm as a living laboratory. With a reported job placement rate exceeding 90% for its graduates, ABAC is a recognized powerhouse in producing professionals critical for modern food systems, making it an ideal partner for DELSU’s goal of addressing food security in Nigeria.
High-Level Visit Secures Mutual Commitment
The ABAC delegation was led by Mr. Stan Hutchinson, President of the Shepherd Care Foundation USA, who served as the crucial liaison for the visit. Mr. Hutchinson conveyed strong felicitations from the President of ABAC, Dr. Tracy L. Brundage, and underscored the mutual benefits inherent in the cooperative relation.
During the signing ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Professor Asagba expressed his enthusiastic welcome, assuring the ABAC team of DELSU’s profound preparedness to engage with leading global institutions. He stated that the collaboration will be instrumental in helping DELSU contribute its quota to solving problems faced by Nigeria, particularly in the strategic area of food security, by leveraging ABAC’s strong track record in AgriTech.
Receiving the delegation alongside the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Edmund Atakpo; the Director of CICL, Professor Jonathan Tsetimi; the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor J. Ekelemu; the Deputy Director of CICL, Dr. Prosper Irogbo; and the PA to the VC, Mr. Efe Enite. Professor Tsetimi officially introduced the ABAC team and articulated the scope of their mission to the university community.
Scope of the Memorandum: Focus on Research and Mobility
The non-binding MOU formalizes a relationship covering all programs of study and research, with an initial, targeted concentration on agriculture and natural resources. The key areas of cooperation for the two-year, renewable agreement include:
Joint Initiatives: Promoting joint research, scholarly activities, and the exchange of academic materials to foster new knowledge creation.
Program Development: Collaborative establishment of joint academic programs, research projects, and vital community outreach initiatives.
Student Mobility: A dedicated pathway allowing qualified DELSU students to apply as transfer students to ABAC for the completion of their undergraduate degrees, subject to meeting admission requirements, including a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.5/4.0 and standard English proficiency.
This partnership marks a strategic alignment between two leading institutions, promising significant advancement in education, research, and economic contribution to Nigeria’s agricultural future.