IARSAF inspires the next generation of agricultural innovators
27 February 2026
The International Association of Research Scholars and Fellows (IARSAF) at IITA–CGIAR brought agriculture to life for secondary school students in Ibadan, Nigeria, sparking curiosity and interest. During a recent outreach visit to Army Day Secondary School and Ojoo High School, the IARSAF team engaged the students in different learning sessions on agriculture, food safety, and career opportunities. They were encouraged to think like innovators with the goal of shaping the future of agriculture.
Sharing the inspiration behind the outreach during his opening remarks, IARSAF President Victor Diekade said the outreach will help the students understand the importance of agriculture, “We are here because we believe agriculture is a pathway to having dignified careers, advancing innovations, and providing solutions to economic challenges in our communities. As research fellows at IITA-CGIAR, who have benefited from scholarships and professional training.” He emphasized that giving back to the community is central to their mission. The outreach introduced students to the many opportunities in agriculture, from harnessing underutilized crops to learning about food safety and gender-inclusive practices. He encouraged them to become the next generation of agricultural innovators.
Gbenga Kolawole, an IARSAF member, took a session titled; “Agriculture and Career Prospects.” He emphasized that agriculture extends far beyond traditional farming into modernized agriculture, agribusiness, greenhouse systems, and technology-driven services. He reminded students that agriculture is for innovators, a field rich in opportunities and highly relevant in the 21st century.
A two-part session on “Underutilized crops,” led by Abiola Monsurat and Jimoh Mohammed at Army Day Secondary School and by Abiola Monsurat and Boluwape Diekade at Ojoo High School, introduced students to nutrient-rich but often overlooked crops such as African yam bean, Bambara groundnut, lima bean, and mung bean. These crops are resilient, adaptable to local environments, and essential in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition.
During an open session, one of the students asked why these nutritious and adaptable crops are not widely promoted? which prompted further discussions on awareness creation, research investments, and market systems.
The session on “Food Safety”, delivered by Favour Ayorinde and Taiwo Adesina, highlighted how poor hygiene practices, contamination, and unsafe preservation methods contribute to foodborne illnesses. Ayorinde emphasized that “The food that is not safe is no food at all.”
A concluding session on “Gender roles in agriculture,” by Faith Ohaju and Oche Akpa, highlighted food production as a shared responsibility, with equal opportunities for both men and women across the agricultural value chain.
The discussions during the outreach left students buzzing with ideas and questions, reinforcing IARSAF’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of agricultural innovators.
Contributed by Christabel Ediri
