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ICRA NETHERLANDS PARTNERS LANDMARK UNIVERSITY ON AGRIBUSINESS
“LMU as the First Private University of Agriculture in Nigeria is Significant to Us” – ICRA Netherlands. These were the words of the Country Representative of International Centre for Development Oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA) Netherlands, Dr. Gbenga Idowu on 20th April, 2018 as he led his team on a strategic meeting with the Management of Landmark University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju which was geared towards fostering a long-lasting relationship between both organizations.
While welcoming the ICRA team, the Vice-Chancellor intimated them with the fact that Landmark University is a potential world class Institution established by the Living Faith Church Worldwide under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop, Dr. David Oyedepo and granted license by the Federal Government of Nigeria on 7th March, 2011 and commenced operations on 21st March, 2011 with a unique visionary mandate of spearheading an agrarian revolution on the African continent. “We are a frontline agriculture-based private University committed to raising generation of solution providers, great reformers, global citizens and exemplary leaders.”
He further noted that the University is driven by urgency in actualizing her visionary mandate, with great emphasis on community impact and capacity expansion to proffer solution to indigenous challenges, that is why the University is considering possible collaboration, noting what ICR stands for, as well as its growing influence in Agribusiness, including training and coaching supply chain actors at the grassroots to enable them function better in their value chain as agribusiness partners. “We are blessed with dedicated Faculty, Staff and Students are also endowed with awesome environment and infrastructure for the development of potentials, including scholarship, agripreneurship, creativity and community impact. I do hope that frontiers of accomplishments along agricultural innovativeness can be expanded better on the platform of collaboration between ICRA and LMU. I deeply appreciate Dr. Sobukola Olajide, FUNNAB, for facilitating the connection between ICRA and LMU, as well as pressing for this remarkable meeting.”
In his response, the Country Representative ICRA, Dr. Gbenga Idowu registered his satisfaction on the acceptability of LMU to collaborate with ICRA. He said ICRA is an independent international non-profit organization that provides capacity building for researchers to expand the frontiers of research. “We always ask the question, how can business contribute to community development? And how can we attract funding to make life better for the people? Because we believe Agribusiness can help you profit and solve the problems of the poor community at the same time. ICRA was formed to strengthen the capacity of teachers who are committed to research. It was observed that researchers wants their research to be down to earth but do not have the mindset and capacity to make it happen. ”
He said ICRA wants to domesticate their programme in Nigeria and is delighted that Landmark University, being the First Private University of Agriculture in Nigeria is commendable and gives the team hope that collaboration between both organizations would be fruitful.
Also present at the meeting were, the Business Development Manager, ICRA, Mr. Geiljan Beigen and Dr. Sobukola Olajide a Faculty from FUNAAB who is a beneficiary of ICRA training overseas and the link between LMU and ICRA. Mr. Geiljan Beigen further corroborated that ICRA is not a profit making organization and looks forward to working with LMU. “We thank you for a warm reception and the core-values, mission, vision and the collective resolve of the University to produce pathfinders upon graduation is very resonating. We believe that innovation in smallholder farming is the key to inclusive development and improving global food security. That is why we focus on strengthening the abilities of people to collaborate and learn from each other within local partnerships. Our training courses and projects are designed to build skills and change outlooks within education, research and advisory services, so that these can better support local agribusinesses.”
According to information available, ICRA was founded in 1981 to help end poverty and hunger and to promote sustainable resource use, through inclusive innovation partnerships and by the strengthening individual, organizational and institutional capacities required to make these partnerships work. ICRA has offices in Wageningen, the Netherlands and Montpellier, France, and staff based across Europe and Africa. The origination is also a member of the Agrinatura, AgriProFocus and PIE (Platform of International Education) networks
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The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju welcoming the ICRA Team to the University
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The Country Representative ICRA, Dr. Gbenga Idowu diving his remarks
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The Business Development Manager, ICRA, Mr. Geiljan Beigen making a comment
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L:R - The Business Development Manager, ICRA, Mr. Geiljan Beigen, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olayanju, Country Representative ICRA, Dr. Gbenga
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The ICRA Team at the Landmark Universitys Automated Pen Layer
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Members of Management and ICRA Team in a group photograph
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LANDMARK UNIVERSITYS LIFE APPLICABLE EDUCATION SYSTEM RECOGNIZED AS MAX AFRICA LAUNCHES INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Landmark University's distinctive approach to education, centred on life-applicable and life-transforming learning, received validation this week when representatives from MAX Africa visited the institution to seek collaboration for their second internship program. The visit underscored the high regard organizations have for Landmark’s graduates, known for their competence and productivity in the workplace.
During the meeting, MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh, unveiled the company’s new internship initiative designed to empower young innovators and leaders in Africa’s mobility sector. Leigh expressed admiration for Landmark University’s alumni, who, he noted, have consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and leadership within MAX Africa. He introduced Mr Kefas El-Olam, a graduate of Landmark University who is the Senior Product Manager, MAX. "Our first point of call for this new phase is Landmark University, primarily because of the exceptional value delivered by Landmark graduates who joined us in the first phase of the internship programme. Their resilience, ability to drive results, and leadership qualities have made a lasting impression," Leigh said, emphasizing how these qualities align with MAX Africa’s mission to address broader industry challenges by cultivating skilled professionals across the continent.
Adding to this, MAX Africa’s Digital Strategist, Mr Adewunmi Oshilaja, highlighted the soft skills and professionalism of Landmark’s graduates. “Beyond technical expertise, Landmark graduates have displayed strong leadership qualities and high standards of professionalism,” he stated. "The core of our strategy is to build well-rounded leaders. As much as we want our interns to gain hands-on experience, we are also committed to equipping them with skills in business communication, team management, and workplace etiquette.”
The upcoming three-month internship program was further detailed by MAX Africa's Human Resource Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe, who described it as a transformative opportunity for participants. She noted that interns would receive intensive training in both technical and interpersonal skills vital for industry success. “Interns will be assigned responsibilities similar to full-time employees and will be evaluated at the end of the program. Those who excel will be offered full-time positions,” she announced. To facilitate applications, MAX Africa has provided QR codes for interested students, who will undergo a thorough screening process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University expressed appreciation to MAX Africa for recognizing the university’s talents and choosing Landmark as a major recruitment partner. He attributed the leadership qualities displayed by students to the legacy of Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo and affirmed the university’s confidence in the students' readiness to embrace this opportunity. He also highlighted Landmark University’s recent recognition as Nigeria's second-best university in the Times Higher Education rankings, further showcasing the institution’s commitment to excellence.
The Registrar also conveyed gratitude to the MAX Africa team and assured them of Landmark University's full support in achieving the program’s goals. Other members of the university’s management expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, seeing it as a significant step towards advancing opportunities for students, the university, and Africa at large.
Others in attendance at the meeting were the Chaplain, Pastor Popoola; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi; the Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel and the HRBP, Compensation & Benefits, and City Manager, Ilorin, MAX, Mrs Adebimpe Alabi.
Members of the Landmark University management and the Max Africa team in a group photograph after the meeting
R-L: The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole; the Registrar, Engr Adebayo Ajala; the Dean of Students, Dr Abimbola Oluyori; the Sub-Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Noah Olaibi during the meeting with Max Africa
MAX Africa's Chief Technology Officer, Mr Olusegun Leigh while speaking on the new internship programme
The Max team with the Landmark University Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel (L)
The Student Development Officer, Mr Daniel Emmanuel introducing Max Africa to the student community
Max Africa’s HR Manager, Mrs Bosede Otaigbe while speaking to the students of Landmark University on the internship programme
The Max Africa team interacting with Landmark University student community
Max Africa’s Senior Product Manager, Mr Kefas El-Olam while speaking to the students of Landmark University on his experience as a student of the University and during the internship programme
Registration point for Max Africa’s internship programme at Landmark University
