Burkina Faso Consul General woos FUNAAB for agriculture, academic collaboration

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has played host to the Consul General of Burkina Faso to Nigeria, Mr Maxim Bengaly, who came with the agenda of stronger ties in agriculture, education, and culture.

During the visit, Mr Bengaly outlined four areas for collaboration: agriculture, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and scientific research.

He dismissed language as a barrier between the two countries. Speaking with conviction, he noted that people have the capacity to learn new languages, citing his own business dealings in Saki, Oyo State, as proof that communication across borders is possible.

The vice-chancellor, Professor Kehinde, welcomed Mr Bengaly and his delegation with warmth, affirming FUNAAB’s commitment to partner with Burkina Faso and other West African nations in research, education, and community development.

Professor Kehinde said FUNAAB has a track record of training West African nationals, especially at the postgraduate level, through its Africa Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, CEADESE.

He assured the consul general that students from Burkina Faso would be welcomed into FUNAAB’s postgraduate programmes, and that the University was open to exploring more areas of collaboration.

The vice chancellor urged Mr Bengaly to help facilitate the establishment of a French Language Centre at FUNAAB. According to him, such a centre would improve communication, deepen cultural exchange, and strengthen academic links with Francophone countries.

The visit ended with both parties expressing optimism about turning the discussions into concrete partnerships.