Campus News

UNILORIN, S/Korean varsity sign MoU on smart farming

By Mustafa Abubakar

The Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Smart Space Agriculture (ISSA), Gyeongsang National University, South Korea.

The MoU signing, which was held last Wednesday (June 4, 2025) at the University of Ilorin and witnessed by Principal Officers and stakeholders from both institutions, was a direct outcome of the just concluded FETiCON 2025, the international engineering conference hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), University of Ilorin.

While Prof. Hyeon Tae Kim, the Chief of the Institute of Smart Space Agriculture (ISSA), signed on behalf of the South Korean University, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, Prof. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote signed on behalf of Nigeria’s most sought-after University.

The collaboration is aimed at enhancing knowledge exchange, promoting student and faculty mobility, and supporting research in smart farming, which is an emerging area of technological innovation in agriculture.

Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, said that the objective of the memorandum is to establish a collaborative relationship between the two institutions and to support a studentship programme aimed at achieving smart farm initiatives.

“The collaboration aims to promote knowledge sharing and support studentship programmes towards achieving a smart farm, the Dean said, noting that the collaboration would facilitate the progress of both institutions.

In his remarks, the Director, Centre for International Education (CIE), University of Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, described the MoU as another milestone in the University’s growing list of international academic partnerships.

Prof. Onireti said, “This MoU between the South Korean University and the University of Ilorin is another connection to our series of MoUs. Since the inception of this Administration, we have signed more than 50 MoUs, and most of them are active”

“We hope that this MoU will cement the collaborations between us and the South Korean University. Both universities stand to benefit immensely, especially in Engineering and Agriculture, which are the core focus areas of this MoU.”

The Director, who teaches at the Department of Arabic, emphasised the importance of global partnerships in driving institutional development.

According to Prof. Onireti, “a University must be universal. A University without internationalisation as a priority is not a University. A University without international staff, students, or collaborations is not a University”.

He said, “We have organised and established links and partnerships with other universities across the world so that we will be complete. A University in itself cannot be complete without having partners across the globe. The University of Ilorin is getting better by far, day by day.”

In the memorandum, the two institutions agreed to promote the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in smart farming. This includes sharing research findings, technological innovations, and successful implementation strategies aimed at enhancing the understanding and application of smart farming practices.

Both parties are also committed to facilitating student exchange programmes where students from UNILORIN’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology will have the opportunity to visit ISSA in South Korea to gain practical experience, while South Korean students will study and conduct research at UNILORIN to understand Nigeria’s unique agricultural challenges.

The memorandum also provides for the initiation of joint research efforts to tackle specific agricultural problems through innovation. These projects may include collaborative studies, development of new smart farming technologies, and pilot programmes that address region-specific issues.

The agreement equally encourages Faculty and staff exchange between both institutions as academic and administrative personnel will participate in teaching, training, and research activities at the partner institution for the purpose of promoting mutual professional development.

A joint committee comprising representatives from both universities will also be set up to implement and monitor the MoU’s activities. The committee will meet regularly to assess progress, address challenges, and recommend initiatives to strengthen the partnership.

The MoU takes effect from the date of signing and will remain active for an initial period of five (5) years. It may be renewed or revised through mutual written consent.

Both institutions also acknowledged the importance of protecting confidential and proprietary information and that all shared data and intellectual property will be managed according to institutional policies and applicable legal frameworks.

In the event of any dispute related to the MoU—including issues of breach, interpretation, or termination—the matter shall be resolved through final and binding arbitration in the country of domicile of the respondent. The arbitration shall be conducted in English and overseen by a mutually agreed arbitrator.

Each institution will also bear its own costs relating to the implementation of the collaboration, including travel, accommodation, and research expenses.

However, both parties will actively seek external funding through grants, scholarships, or other sources to support joint programmes and exchanges.

The MoU may be terminated by either party with a six-month written notice. However, existing collaborative activities or commitments made prior to the termination date will not be affected.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, by Professor Hyeon Tae Kim, Chief of the Institute of Smart Space Agriculture (ISSA), and on behalf of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, by Professor Jamiu Kolawole Odusote, Dean of the faculty.

The signing of this MoU marks a significant step toward building a global research network for sustainable agriculture and smart technology development. It reinforces the University of Ilorin’s position as a forward-thinking institution committed to solving societal challenges through international cooperation, research excellence, and capacity building.