The Bayero University Kano (BUK) has initiated plans to establish a strategic partnership with Green Way Agrotech Limited aimed at advancing hybrid rice production and mechanised agriculture in Nigeria.
The proposed collaboration was unveiled during a courtesy visit by the firm’s delegation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the university’s administrative headquarters. The meeting focused on leveraging academic expertise and technological innovation to address Nigeria’s growing food security challenges.
According to the delegation, the partnership will introduce hybrid rice varieties alongside large-scale production of maize, groundnuts, and other staple crops, with the broader objective of improving agricultural productivity and reducing food scarcity across the country.
Leading the delegation, Managing Director Mr. Peter Fonk explained that the visit was to formally present the company’s vision and explore areas of collaboration with the university, particularly in training and capacity development.
He noted that the firm intends to work closely with students of agriculture by providing hands-on training in modern farming techniques, mechanisation, and the use of improved crop varieties, while also offering structured internship placements and scholarship opportunities.
“We believe that through collaboration with BUK, we can train a new generation of agriculturists equipped with modern skills. Our goal is to support Nigeria in achieving agricultural self-sufficiency within three to five years and position the country as a major exporter of agricultural products in the next decade,” Fonk stated.
The company further outlined key components of the partnership, including agricultural extension services, research collaboration, technology transfer, sustainable farming practices, and value chain development across multiple crop systems.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa, described the initiative as timely and impactful, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s urgent need to enhance food production and agricultural value addition.
He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the university’s commitment to practical education, innovation, and community impact, especially through initiatives driven by the Centre for Dryland Agriculture.
Prof. Musa also reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to partner with credible stakeholders, noting that such collaborations would expand opportunities for students while strengthening research outputs and national development efforts.
Other university officials present at the meeting included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Aliyu Muazu; the Registrar, Comrade Haruna Aliyu; and the Director of Public Affairs, Malam Lamara Garba.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture, where both parties engaged in further discussions on practical implementation strategies and long-term collaboration frameworks.
