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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.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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