News Releases

UWI and Niger Delta University Forge Partnership for Agricultural Innovation and Climate Resilience

For Release Upon Receipt - February 4, 2025

St. Augustine


 

 

  NDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Allen A. Agih, signs the MoU on behalf of NDU, with NDU Registrar, Mr. Benjamin Joffa, overseeing the signing.

St. Augustine, February 4, 2025 – The Niger Delta University (NDU) in Nigeria recently hosted its third landmark public lecture, that brought together academics, students, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across the Niger Delta region to engage with the critical topic of sustainable agriculture amidst ongoing climate challenges. The event, held on December 4, 2024, at NDU’s Wilberforce Island campus, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research, innovation, and human capital development in building resilient agricultural systems.

 Delivering the feature presentation was Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, a globally recognized expert in agri-environmental soil science and President of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences. In his lecture, Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security through Human Capital Development, Research, and Innovation in Climate-Sensitive Environments, he shared invaluable insights on the transformative role of interdisciplinary research, innovation, and human capital development in promoting food security and resilience in vulnerable, climate-sensitive regions, providing a compelling case for transformative agricultural strategies.

 Additionally, Professor Wuddivira stressed the urgent need for innovative agricultural approaches in climate-sensitive environments. He also emphasized the importance of cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration and academic partnerships in developing sustainable solutions for food systems. The Vice-Chancellor of NDU, Professor Allen A. Agih, praised the lecture’s relevance stating that “This lecture underscores our mission to promote socio-economic well-being through academic excellence and meaningful discourse”.

 Milestone Collaboration: UWI and NDU Sign MoU

 A defining moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between The UWI St. Augustine Campus and NDU, marking a strategic collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement establishes a framework for:

 Student and faculty exchange programmes

 Joint research initiatives

Scholarships for NDU students from the Niger Delta region to study at UWI St. Augustine, initially within the Faculties of Food and Agriculture and Engineering

This partnership further cements The UWI’s commitment to strengthening global academic networks and advancing research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture in vulnerable regions.  

End

 

Professor Mark Wuddivira, Dean of the Faculty of Food and Agriculture at The UWI St. Augustine, receives a plaque of honour from Niger Delta University (NDU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Allen A. Agih.’

 About The University of the West Indies 

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu 

 

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