The Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency, KOSCEPA visited Federal University Lokoja on April 23, 2026, proposing a structured partnership that spans agricultural research, student training, and commodity market development. 

Hon. Adewale Victor Omofaiye, the agency's Director General, led the delegation on a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye.

Omofaiye outlined six areas where KOSCEPA and FUL can work together: joint research and data development on crop yields, soil analysis, and mineral resources; capacity building through workshops and short courses in commodity grading and export processes; student internship placements at commodity markets; enterprise support to connect university-driven agro-processing ideas to investors and export channels; plantation development of high-value economic trees on university land; and commercialisation of research outputs through KOSCEPA's market networks.

He proposed the formation of a joint working team following the visit to define programmes, timelines, and responsibilities. "The goal is clear," Omofaiye said, "to build a working relationship that connects knowledge with opportunity."

In his response, Professor Ibileye welcomed the visit and told the delegation that a community in Yagba West had donated approximately 500 hectares of land to the university for agricultural purposes. 

He said the proposed partnership could give that land its best use.

"Part of my vision is to develop green areas in this university, but not just by planting trees," he said. 

"We must be deliberately planting economically viable trees, so that those who come after us will remember us for the good and deliberate work we are doing", Ibileye added.

He named sheabutter and cashew as priority species suited to the region.
Ibileye also expressed interest in establishing research hubs for different species of economic trees and asked KOSCEPA to support advocacy with government for that purpose. 

He confirmed that the university would bring students into the collaboration through SIWES placements and other practical engagement programmes.

The Vice Chancellor directed FUL Farm, the university's agricultural innovation unit, to study the KOSCEPA proposal and identify specific areas for formalised collaboration. 

Both parties expressed readiness to move beyond the courtesy visit into a working partnership. See more pictures here

© Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation
Federal University Lokoja