In a landmark step toward deepening international collaboration in agricultural research and innovation, the Institute for Agricultural Research on January 19, 2026, received a high-powered delegation from the Hubei Provincial Technology Market Association, Wuhan, China, at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for a two-day working visit. The delegation, made up of experienced scientists, leading industrialists and innovative entrepreneurs, was warmly received by a strong team led by the Institute for Agricultural Research, alongside the leadership of NAERLS, NAPRI and the Faculty of Agriculture.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, where the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Prof. Ado Yusuf, briefed him on the background of the engagement. He explained that the partnership originated from the annual Technology and Innovation Forum, which culminated in the signing of two memoranda of understanding focused on rice and oilseed development. Prof. Yusuf expressed strong optimism that the collaboration would deliver far-reaching and transformative outcomes for agricultural development in both Nigeria and China.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese delegation, Prof. Yuan highlighted what he described as the productivity indicators of the partnership, combining Ahmadu Bello University’s vast human capital and research facilities with Wuhan’s advanced technological ecosystem. He unveiled key components of the collaboration, including the establishment of a Sesame Breeding Centre and a Northwest Knowledge Transfer Centre at the Institute for Agricultural Research, as well as the introduction of fully funded PhD research residencies in China under a robust student exchange programme. Prof. Yuan also extended a formal invitation to the Vice-Chancellor to participate in the upcoming China–Africa Innovation Forum and Entrepreneurial Competition in Wuhan.
The Nigeria–China contact person, Senator Mubarak A. Tijjani, expressed satisfaction with the depth of the engagement, noting that the partnership provides a practical scientific roadmap for strengthening food security while opening profitable opportunities within the textile and oilseed value chains.
In his response, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed commended the leadership of the Institute for Agricultural Research and the Chinese delegation for their proactive approach. He described China as a strategic partner, citing its remarkable success in achieving food self-sufficiency. He further reaffirmed that the Ahmadu Bello University Agricultural Complex remains the leading hub of agricultural expertise and facilities in West Africa, positioning it as a reliable partner for global research collaboration.
Following the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to the Institute for Agricultural Research, where they were received by principal officers and former executive directors, underscoring the high strategic importance attached to the partnership. The session featured technical presentations on areas of mutual interest delivered by Prof. H. Mani, Prof. Maimuna Abdulmalik, Prof. Aminu Saleh, as well as Dr. Grace Luka and Dr. Ruqayya Sami.
In his remarks, former Executive Director Prof. Ado Garki emphasized that the collaboration would catalyse facility upgrades, ease market entry for agricultural products and build a skilled workforce aligned with the shared priorities of Nigeria and China. The engagement concluded with a vote of thanks by the Deputy Director, Prof. Nafiu Abdu, as participants looked forward to further technical engagements scheduled for the following day.
