IAR&T at 50: We’ve lived up to expectations —Adediran

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6 years ago

Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Professor James Adediran (second right) flanked by Head of Accounts, Mr Michael Olusegun Fadipe (Right), Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the institute, Mr Adeboye Abiola Popoola (left) and Chairman, anniversary committee, IAR&T at 50, Professor Mrs Veronica Obatolu, during a press conference on the institute’s 50th anniversary, which held at Moor Plantation, Ibadan, on Monday. Photo: Nurudeen Alimi

AS the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Director of the institute, Professor James Adediran, has said that the institute has lived up to expectations regarding the mandates given to it by its founding fathers.

He stated this on Monday while addressing journalists on various programme of activities lined up for the 50th anniversary of the institute as well as some landmark achievement it recorded in the last 50 years.

According to him, the institute, in order to meet its mandate and demands of its clientele, had functioned as a research, training and services centre for the improvement of agricultural productivity and farm efficiency through research into the existing soils, water, crops and livestock resources in the broad agro-ecological zones of south-western Nigeria in particular and the country as a whole. He posited that the institute has carried out its research, services and training activities in the context of the areas of mandate.

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Adediran, noted that:”I can confidently say that our research breakthrough in agricultural research are based on the level of resources available for use. I am convinced that despite the above challenges, IAR&T has lived up to expectations as a centre of excellence in agricultural research.

“The environment in which research is carried out has made the institution stronger and resilient to forge ahead looking forward to a vibrant future with greater achievements. The government is appreciated for supporting the research system. I also thank staff and other stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the sustenance of 1AR&T.”

IAR&T was transformed from the research division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources created by the colonial administration in 1920 with the objective to conduct research and train manpower in agriculture in the defunct western region of Nigeria.

Alongside the research division was the establishment of School of Agriculture, Ibadan in 1921. While the schools of Agriculture, Akure and Animal Health and Production Technology came into existence in 1957 and 1964 respectively. All the four institutions were merged to form IAR&T in 1969.