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IITA, Washington University to jointly tackle poverty, hunger, youth unemployment
THE International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) and the Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) are exploring areas of collaboration that would address poverty, hunger, and youth unemployment in Africa.
The plan, as learnt is to leverage on the strengths and expertise of the two institutions to solve vexing constraints to Africa’s development.
The resolve for a joint approach was made during a visit by Dr Nteranya Sanginga, IITA Director General, to WUSTL where he met the management of the University in the US.
During the visit, Dr Sanginga held strategic meetings and discussions with Daniel Bentle, Director of the Center of Experiential Learning of Olin Business School; James Wertsch, Director of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy; Kurt Dirks, Vice Chancellor for International Affairs; Himadri Pakrasi, from Plant Science; Benjamin Ola Akande, Advisor to the Chancellor and Director of Africa Initiative; and the Chancellor, Mark S. Wrighton.
Located in St. Louis, WUSTL prides itself among the world’s leaders in teaching, research, patient care, and service to society. The university is committed to learning and exploration, to discovery and impact.
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IITA, on the other hand, is headquartered in Nigeria with hubs in East, West, Central, and Southern Africa. A member of the CGIAR, IITA is the biggest international agriculture research center in Africa that is committed to agricultural transformation and a food secure Africa by leveraging on the power of science and technology. The center gained global reputation for its breakthrough in the biological control of cassava mealybug, biological control of aflatoxins, and the development of improved varieties of banana/plantain, cassava, cowpea, maize, soybean, and yam. IITA’s new research initiatives include addressing youth unemployment using the power of science.
Dr Sanginga said, “IITA is excited to partner with the Washington University in St. Louis in solving global challenges.”
Besides the broader context of poverty, hunger, and unemployment, the two institutions will be focusing on some specific areas such as the engagement of youth in agribusiness, linking food nutrition and public health, and taking advantage of WUSTL’s current work on health issues and strength in medicine activities across the continent. The two institutions will also delve into areas such as understanding the nexus between Food, Energy, and Water. There is a proposed focus on nitrogen fixation in cereals and cyanobacteria, and the linkage between the science of discovery and application.
The IITA and WUSTL collaboration fits into IITA’s refreshed strategy of lifting 11 million people out of poverty and reclaiming 7.5 hectares of degraded land. But more importantly, it aligns with the United States’ commitment to reducing poverty and helping people to progress.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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