Akibo Titilayo Esther
I am Akibo, Titilayo Esther, a Nigerian and Doctoral student (PhD AgSE) in the Livestock Science and Sustainable Environment programme of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun state, Nigeria. I am in the third cohort (2016/2017 set). My first and second degrees were obtained from FUNAAB in the field of Animal Physiology.
CEADESE aims to achieve research excellence in Agricultural productivity making Environment and its sustainability her major focus. This is what influenced my decision to pursue a third degree with the centre as her focus aligns with my past and current researchworks in the field of Animal Environmental Physiology.
The centre has exposed and mentored me on environmentally-friendly agricultural trainings and innovations in
myriad of ways. First, the syllabus designed for the first year of study has been embedded with interest-stimulating courses which align with the aims and objectives of the Centre. Courses such as Climate change in Agriculture has exposed me to the application of the knowledge of climate change in my research work. Other courses on International Trade and Economic Policies as well as Agricultural Knowledge Management have also improved my understanding of International markets in relation to agriculture as well as recent advancements in the application of Information Technology in the field of Agriculture. French appreciation has stimulated my interest in the language to ‘parler Français à la Française’.
In addition, the Centre organizes Seminars and workshops and also sponsor students to attend conferences which are relevant to our various programme of study.
Furthermore, the industry-based internship has contributed immensely to personal practical /hands-on experience for me. While students build experience through the organization/industry, they are also able to pick new research interests based on some of the challenges/knowledge gaps they have identified and strive to profer a way out with the help of both the Academic and Industry-based supervisory team.
The Centre is positioned aright for relevance in today’s world due to its environmental-sustainability focus as well as the priority given to industry in the design and execution of research work which will reduce the challenges of having academic research works ending on the shelf.
Its also exciting to know that the Centre got 100% accreditation for all her programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC) being the first time Postgraduate science-based programme was to be accredited in Nigeria. CEADESE is also warming up for international accreditation soonest. I can’t but look forward to having more exciting moments of learning as I forge ahead with in my field of study.
