The conventional calls for a collaboration between the gown and the society, as part of efforts to solve the problems of humanity, appear to be having effect these days. A latest development in the federal capital territory is an example of this development. For instance, the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODARAN) and the University of Abuja have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve milk and fodder production. That is not the only thing that the collaboration aims to achieve. It is also expected to promote capacity building in the dairy sector. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry practice.
The collaboration will focus on expanding milk output, improving fodder cultivation, and providing hands-on training for students and stakeholders. It will also facilitate workshops, certification programs for dairy scientists, and the development of farms to serve as training grounds for students of Agriculture.
CODARAN President, Muhammadu Abubakar, emphasized that the partnership would strengthen dairy expertise in Nigeria, addressing the shortage of qualified dairy scientists and technicians. “This MoU lays the foundation for manpower development by establishing a department of dairy science at the university,” he said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, described the partnership as timely and transformative, highlighting the importance of dairy in national development. “This partnership offers a unique opportunity to develop the skilled workforce needed to grow the industry,” she added.
