Hyelda Jesiel Yaduma
Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta has advocated for the adoption of smart agricultural technologies to enhance food production, processing, storage, and various other aspects of agriculture for local farmers.
The deputy governor made this advocacy during a meeting with officials from Maroua University in Cameroon, who were on an exchange visit to Modibbo Adama University in Yola to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership in teaching and research.
During the meeting, which took place on Thursday and was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibrahim Umar of Modibbo Adama University, Professor Farauta emphasized the timeliness of the initiative, acknowledging the importance of a secure environment for academic activities.
Professor Kaletapwa Farauta expressed hope that the exchange between the institutions would be beneficial for students in Adamawa and assured them of government support. She highlighted that the institutions are partners in the Lake Chad basin, noting that their efforts align with government policies and programs, particularly regarding agriculture and the changes caused by climate change, such as the shrinking of rivers.
Professor Ibrahim Umar, Vice Chancellor of Modibbo Adama University, informed the deputy governor that both Modibbo Adama University and Maroua University are already engaging in collaborative efforts, including partnerships with Garoua and Gaoundere universities in Cameroon.
He explained that the two countries share a common border and similar cultural traits, allowing for cooperative endeavours in trade, security, and responses to the climate crisis affecting the Lake Chad basin. These collaborative efforts aim to address shared challenges in teaching and research.
According to Professor Umar, the results of joint research on issues of mutual interest will benefit Adamawa State by aiding policy planning and programmatic interventions aimed at tackling issues such as migration, border security, governance, trade, environmental resource management, and the management of climate-related crises, along with other socio-economic challenges.
The Vice Chancellor of Maroua University, Professor Idrissou Alioum, stated that the purpose of the exchange visit is to discuss and share experiences with Modibbo Adama University in Yola, as well as to seek collaboration and support from the Adamawa State government. He also mentioned the aim of strengthening the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions in areas such as student mobility, teaching staff exchanges, and supervision.