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By: Alhaji Umaru Gbow

Credit: Public Relations Assistant, ������Ƶ University (Ayuba Koroma)

University Secretariat, ������Ƶ Campus – 10th June 2025— Professor Roland Suluku has made significant strides in infrastructure, research, and academic development since taking up his role as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences. In an interview, he outlined a series of achievements he credits to teamwork, faith, and strategic partnerships.

One of his first initiatives, he explained, was to improve access roads to the school, grading the stretch from the experimental field to the main entrance. “The road is not paved, but it is now much better than before,” he said. He also spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive Agricultural Master Plan that unites 13 departments, including Technology and Natural Resource Management, under a single strategic vision.

Professor Roland Suluku emphasized the school’s growing research profile. A collaboration with Feed Salone and other partners has led to various agricultural projects, including a thirteen-hectare vegetable farm with 24-hour irrigation. “This is part of a women and youth training initiative, but our students benefit from it too,” he added. He noted the university now hosts a monthly research colloquium and is developing an Agricultural Investment Plan for 2025–2030, with each department contributing project proposals.

Academic standards and supervision have also seen improvements. The Dean reported the completion of five PhD dissertations, with more in progress. He also celebrated the launch of an agricultural science journal to support academic publishing. “We want our students’ dissertations to be published internationally,” he said. A conference marking system has also been introduced to ensure timely grading and exam efficiency.

Prof. Suluku credited strong religious values and student engagement for fostering a positive academic culture. “Every Wednesday, students gather here to pray for this school,” he said. “It’s something I deeply value.” He also highlighted improved electricity access—from 12 noon to 5 p.m.—which has encouraged lecturers to remain on campus longer and engage more actively with students.

Partnerships have expanded under his leadership. The school now collaborates with ministries, Chinese research stations, NGOs, and global bodies on various agricultural and health projects. “We have strong ties with the Ministry of Health, CRS, and several research institutions,” he noted. This includes programs in rice cultivation, animal insemination, and infectious disease research.

Despite these gains, the Dean admitted that challenges remain. “Our biggest problem is infrastructure,” he said, citing the mismatch between facilities built for 200 students and the current enrollment of over 2,000. Laboratory equipment is scarce, and staffing for maintenance and cleaning is insufficient. Financial autonomy, he argued, would allow the school to reinvest internally generated funds for growth.

Despite these, Professor Suluku remains optimistic. “We have achieved a lot, but we can do more with the right support,” he said. He stressed the need for better funding, improved lab facilities, and continued staff development to maintain momentum. “We are preparing the next generation of agricultural scientists. That’s our mission—and I believe we are on the right path.”

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© Public Relations Unit, ������Ƶ University