Thailand Certifies Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, for Sustainable Agricultural Technology Incubation
By Raymond Ozoji, Awka
The Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Nigeria, has been certified by the Government of Thailand to host the Thai–Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre.
The incubation centre, established under a South–South collaborative framework involving the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River (FCCO), Kasetsart University, and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency, is designed as a demonstration farm.
It is expected to train millions of Nigerian youths in sustainable, mechanised agriculture, with the broader goal of achieving food sufficiency and enhancing food security across the country.
The Thai delegation to the college comprising Prof. Kornsorn Srikulnath of Kasetsart University, Senior Adviser at TICA Mr. Sorawud Preedeedilok, and other officials—was led by the Thai Ambassador to Nigeria, Thirapath Mongkolnavin.
The delegation described the institution as fertile ground for such an investment, noting that the flagship project would expose Nigeria and the wider African region to sustainable aquaculture and other modern agricultural practices driven by mechanisation.
Ambassador Mongkolnavin stated that the Government of Thailand initiated the sustainable aquaculture programme in Nigeria as part of its international cooperation efforts. He explained that Nigeria has been identified as a priority partner country and that the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, was carefully selected as the pilot location for the project.
He further noted that the initiative would be expanded and developed into a model for replication in other parts of Nigeria and across the ECOWAS subregion.
According to the ambassador, the purpose of the visit was to conduct a site assessment of the institution and explore opportunities for practical cooperation. He assured the college management of Thailand’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
The Provost and Chief Executive Officer of the college, Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, who personally conducted the delegation around the proposed project site including the college’s artisanal natural water source and other facilities affirmed the institution’s readiness to support and sustain the collaboration.
Dr. Obidiegwu expressed optimism that with adequate investment in time and technology, the land allocated for the project would be transformed into a highly productive agricultural venture.
He added that the centre would serve as a hub for training, research, and development in sustainable agriculture.
Dedicating the Thai–Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Technology Learning Centre to the millions of Nigerians expected to benefit from it, the Provost described the initiative as historic and a significant boost to national food security.
He further expressed confidence that researchers and practitioners from across West Africa would access the centre for knowledge exchange and the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices.
