According to a group, Sasakawa Global 2000 (SG, 2000), it will provide the necessary funding to Obafemi Awolowo University(OAU), Ile-Ife to enable the institution to commence degree programme in Agricultural Extension Services.
This was disclosed by Professor Sani Miko, the Country Director, Sasakawa Global 2000 (SG 2000), who gave the assurance during a news conference/ dinner in Calabar, Cross River State.
He also promised that the organisation would provide funds for the training of lecturers in that department.
In his words, Prof. Sani was quoted saying “The University is getting 100 per cent funding from Sasakawa Global-2000, including for the training of lecturers,”.
He added that the organisation had received no fewer than 10 applications from various Universities in the country, inviting them to help in sponsoring the establishment of degree programmes in Agricultural Extension Services.
Also, Mr Miko stressed that the SG 2000 had designed a system to work with Universities, to train Extension Service staff to enable them to obtain a degree for effective service delivery to farmers.
According to him, no fewer than 500 students had so far graduated from various universities participating in the programme and called on other Universities wishing to key into the programme to do so as.
The country Director further stated that the organisation(SG-2000) has planned to expand its programmes in the State, especially in the area of poultry and other major crops being produced in the area.
He finally promised that SG-2000 would also continue to support smallholder farmers in the state, with a view to increasing their productivity and enhance their wellbeing.