he Lagos State University has been selected by the Food And Agricultural Organization (FAO) as its National Partner Institute (NPI) in implementing the the FISH4ACP Project (Support for the Development of Farmed Catfish Value Chain in Nigeria), winning a partial grant of up to $95,000 in the process. LASU was selected after the FAO adjudged its bid as the best among those submitted by institutions in the country.
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) is the FISH4ACP Project Management Unit for the European Union and Agrinatura FISH4ACP project (2020-2024) involving 10 Africa-Carribean-Pacific (ACP) Countries.
The Partnership is part of efforts to develop food value chains that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable across the countries.
In conveying the news of LASU’s emergence, the FAO noted that “with reference to the call for expression of interest launched by the FISH4ACP Project on 15th April 2020, we would like to inform you that the Project Management Unit and the external panel have finalised the evaluation of the offers received. We are glad to inform you that the Lagos State University was selected as offering the best value for money for the solicited services, and as per FAO rules and procedures on the procurement of services.
“Please note that due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic and related travel restrictions, the FISH4ACP project has decided to adopt a phases approach in implementing the activities that were originally envisaged in the call. As a result, we would like to award a partial grant (up to an overall amount of USD 95,000) as provided for in section 3 of the call for expression of interest.”
The LASU winning proposal was led by Professor of Fisheries, Prof. Akintola, S.L who also doubles as the National Project Officer. Other members of the team are Dr. Fakoya, K.A, Dr. Sherifat Yusuff, Dr. Zakariya Amoo, Mr Olusola Olabanjo and Yusuf Olabisi.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, has congratulated the team for the feat while urging them to work hard to see through the successful implementation of the project. He also pledged the support of the University to the team in their efforts on the project.
Recall that the Fisheries Department recently won a $2.5M Partnership Grants of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canada.