This week, TAGDev 2.0 Program, University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), joined RUFORUM as delegates to the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and 10th FARA General Assembly held in Abuja from July 27th – 30th, 2026.
Themed “Innovation and Partnerships for Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa,” the event convened policymakers, researchers, private sector and development partners to chart a new path for African agriculture.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, Prof. Patrick Okori, emphasized that Africa must become food secure, become an equal opportunity employer for its young population, create wealth and unlock opportunities for present and future generations.
At the RUFORUM exhibition stall, TAGDev 2.0 UniPort showcased its impactful science-to-innovation model that is already transforming livelihoods. Key among the innovations exhibited were the UPIA 2 and UPIA 3 improved rice varieties, developed by researchers at the University of Port Harcourt and freely disseminated to farmers under the TAGDev 2.0 Program to boost productivity and income. The rice varieties are long grains of grade A, high-yielding, and resistant to some economic abiotic stresses such as iron toxicity and drought.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors who thronged the RUFORUM booth expressed commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems.
On Thursday, July 31, 2026, on the sidelines of the event, the TAGDev 2.0 UniPort team joined RUFORUM and Association of Deans of Agriculture of Nigerian Universities (ADAN) delegation on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
Prof. Ibisime Etela (Program Coordinator of TAGDev 2.0 Program, UniPort) reaffirmed that the program, which is working tirelessly to deliver on its mandate with strong focus on scholarship provision for agricultural students, agriprenuership, experiential learning, curriculum review and development, has recorded significant impact with 70% female engagement, 25% refugee inclusion and 10% inclusion of Differently Abled Persons (DAPs).
In his response, Prof. Ribadu reaffirmed NUC’s commitment to working closely with RUFORUM and its network, including the TAGDev 2.0 Program, to drive innovation and strengthen agricultural education in support of Nigeria’s national development agenda.
The conference ended on a good note, and TAGDev 2.0, University of Port Harcourt looks forward to continued partnership with RUFORUM and FARA to strengthen agricultural revolution, entrepreneurship and food sufficiency in Africa.
TAGDev 2.0 is implemented at the University of Port Harcourt with support from RUFORUM and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
