By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
A strategic partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and Teva Foods is set to create new opportunities for youth training, agribusiness entrepreneurship and climate-smart agriculture, stakeholders announced during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives.
The collaboration, unveiled at a programme organised by the Centre for Agripreneur and Cooperative Research/Practice (CACORP), signals a growing effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical enterprise development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the event, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Teva Foods, Mr Chima Christian, said the company was expanding its engagement with the university through CACORP to equip young people with practical agricultural and business skills capable of generating employment and wealth.
According to him, the future of agriculture lies not merely in production but in value addition, processing and innovation.
He expressed concern over the huge post-harvest losses recorded annually across the country, noting that many agricultural products fail to reach their full economic value due to inadequate processing and preservation facilities.
Christian explained that by exposing students and young entrepreneurs to agribusiness opportunities beyond farming, the partnership would help them identify profitable areas within the agricultural value chain.
He encouraged students to embrace networking, collaboration and entrepreneurship, stressing that successful businesses are built on trust, partnerships and innovation.
The Director of CACORP, Dr Nma Okechukwu Okoroji, described the initiative as part of a broader vision to empower young people through practical training and enterprise development.
She disclosed that the centre has trained more than 2,500 youths, students and farmers in agripreneurship, climate-smart agriculture and cooperative management, while also establishing demonstration farms and supporting cooperative societies.
According to her, the partnership with Teva Foods would further strengthen efforts to provide young Nigerians with market-relevant skills and business opportunities.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting enterprises, planting knowledge and planting hope,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Bond Anieyi, represented by Prof Stephen Ufoaroh, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to programmes that combine academic research with practical solutions to societal challenges.
Also speaking, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof Francis O. Nnankwo, said stronger collaboration between universities and private-sector players was essential for achieving food security, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Representatives of both the Anambra State Government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security commended the initiative, describing youth-focused agricultural development as critical to the country’s economic future.
A major highlight of the event was the recognition of Mr Christian with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to agribusiness development and youth empowerment.
Stakeholders noted that beyond environmental sustainability, the partnership demonstrates how cooperation between academia and industry can help nurture a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs capable of driving food security, job creation and economic transformation.
