The partnership between the Federal, Oyo State and French Government, has yielded positive results with the Women in Agricultural Technical Education and Apprenticeship in Nigeria (WATEA) project.
The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, a key player in the WATEA project, is among the six technical schools selected in Nigeria to train 3,000 women.
The French experts, together with the WATEA coordinator from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), who had earlier visited the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has extended their visit to the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, in order to monitor the preparedness of the institution towards the training of 500 women in three agribusiness enterprises, namely, the poultry, fishery, and cassava value chains under the WATEA project.
Speaking on the WATEA project, the coordinator of the Southern Africa & Nigeria network for the French Department of Agricultural Education, Dr. William Gex, revealed that the project is geared towards developing young women’s technical and professional skills.
“These skills will not only directly align them with the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector but also empower them to lead sustainable and successful careers in agriculture.”
Dr. Gex also advocated for the adoption of the French apprenticeship system, which is being employed, combined with academic courses via a tri-partite contract.”
He added that the apprentice will be a part-time student and worker.
“The work and training schedule will vary depending on the training centre and the employer,” he said.
In her remarks, the French Embassy Regional Agriculture Counsellor, Dr. Darracq Sonia, explained that the two-year WATEA project is aimed at strengthening and developing partnerships between the private sector and institutions in six states all over Nigeria.
Dr. Sonia described the collaborative efforts of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora with industries as impressive while noting that the WATEA project will further solidify partnerships between the institution and leading organizations in agribusiness.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, commended the French Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs for sponsoring such a laudable project.
Barrister Olaleye, therefore, pledged the total support of the Oyo State Government towards the successful implementation of the project.
Speaking on the project, the Rector, Professor Akinola Akinlabi, expressed gratitude to the French Government, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the Oyo State Government for the opportunity to participate in the training programme.
Professor Akinlabi noted that the initiative will introduce innovative systems and practices, such as advanced farming techniques and sustainable business models, that will revolutionise how the agricultural sector is perceived in Nigeria for growth and development.
The Rector revealed that through the WATEA project, two staff from the institution had been sponsored to France to study how agribusiness is practised, while the visit also aimed at cultivating collaborative relationships, the exchange of expertise, and identifying synergies that would not only enhance the institution’s research and educational endeavours but also contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the agricultural sector as a whole.
Professor Akinlabi further stated that the collaborative efforts with the French Government will provide opportunity for OYSCATECH Students to travel to France for exchange programmes.
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