The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), in partnership with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has convened its first-ever Stakeholders’ Forum to spotlight progress and strengthen collaboration in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
The one-day event, themed “Research Capabilities in Nigeria: The Journey So Far,” brought together executive directors, provosts, directors of ARCN, and other key players in the agricultural research ecosystem.
In his opening address, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, described the forum as a strategic platform to reflect on achievements, celebrate milestones, and chart the future of agricultural research in Nigeria.
Stakeholders reaffirmed that the forum will serve as a space to tackle pressing issues in the sector while proffering sustainable solutions.
They also urged members of the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) to lend strong support to the initiative for greater impact.
Delivering a keynote presentation, Dr. Shuaibu Aliyu Madugu, Director of Research Planning, Research and Statistics, traced the history, evolution, and current state of ARCN, NARIs, and FCAs, providing an in-depth overview of the sector.
On his part, Prof. Michael Abberton of IITA reviewed the achievements of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), showcasing successful research initiatives and global partnerships that Nigeria could further leverage.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to Dr. Dabban by IITA and the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes, marking his official welcome as Executive Secretary of ARCN.
The forum set a new tone for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, reinforcing ARCN’s mission to drive Nigeria’s agricultural research sector toward global competitiveness.