In order to address some of its environmental challenges and attend to critical needs, the Management of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has initiated a move to forge a strategic partnership with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), as well as seek the Federal Government Agency's support in advancing infrastructural development in the University.

The ACReSAL is a six-year World Bank assisted Project committed to landscapes restoration in Northern Nigeria. It is a multi-sectoral and multi-institutional scheme, covering environment, agriculture and water, designed by the Federal Government to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and provide special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, led other principal officers and members of the University Management on a courtesy visit to the National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Mr Abudulhamid Umar, where potential areas of collaboration and opportunities were discussed. 

At the meeting held in Abuja recently, FUL Management presented a comprehensive list of demands from the University that align with the core mandate and objectives of the World Bank-sponsored Project as duly acknowledged by its National Coordinator.

Being the first Vice-Chancellor to visit the Agency since its inception, Prof. Akinwumi expressed optimism at the positive responses and assurances given by the Project Coordinator for an immediate and enduring partnership, which he (VC) believed would benefit not just the University community alone but also Kogi State at large.

In his remarks, the National Project Coordinator, Mr Abudulhamid Umar, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for the initiative and demonstrating in-depth understanding of ACReSAL's core mandate in their submission.

He promised to constitute a technical committee to conduct an on-site assessment of the University to identify areas requiring immediate intervention and opportunities for a long-term collaboration that would leave ACReSAL's lasting impact and footprints on the thirteen-year-old Federal Institution.

While giving the vote of thanks, the Registrar, Dr Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, expressed profound gratitude to the Project Coordinator and his top management officials for the warm reception and fruitful deliberation. There were exchange of souvenirs and gifts as tokens of appreciation symbolizing the commencement and a commitment to a lifelong friendship between the FUL and ACReSAL. See more pictures here