By Alltimepost.com
The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has concluded plans to inaugurate a support scheme for Nigerian students of agriculture as it opens invites to suitably qualified Nigerians to apply for its Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Policy Project.
According to a statement on its website, the project is a five year initiative funded by the Nigeria Mission of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and implemented jointly by Michigan State University (MSU) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
It further states that applicants must be Nigerians studying in the area of Agriculture, at Post Graduate level in an Accredited Higher Education Institution in Nigeria. Applicants must also be of good academic and moral standing in their academic institution having the equivalent of a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5 (or equivalent for a 2nd class, upper division).
“With regards to good moral standing, applicant must be found to be fit and proper persons and in no way have any pending disciplinary cases before a duly recognized and constituted disciplinary body. Applicants must also have a demonstrated interest in an area being studied by researchers work” it reads
Building on the capacity strengthening component of the project, several short-term graduate student visiting scholar positions for Nigerian students at Masters and PhD level will be offered at Michigan State University (MSU), East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America over the 5 year life of the project.
“In academic year 2017 (August 2017-May 2018), FIVE short-term post graduate student scholar positions are on offer: 3 at the Masters level and 2 at the PhD level. The Masters Level positions will be awarded for a maximum 1 semester, and the PhD Level ones, for a maximum of 2 semesters” it added
The student’s primary academic supervisor (from a Nigerian University) is expected to actively participate in the program. The advisor will be invited (and funded) to visit MSU for a period not exceeding 30 calendar days
To apply, applicants must submit the following documents:
A completed expression of interest application form (PDF 68KB).
A short write up on the role of research in the Nigeria Agricultural Policy Process and how the applicant’s work fits into this.
A writing sample (e.g. research paper, chapter of University Project/Thesis etc.)
Official Copy of Student’s academic transcripts (must be signed and stamped by the Registrar of the Institution of Study).
Updated CV showing publications and awards
A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s head of department or dean on official letter headed paper.
Application documents must be submitted to FTFNAPP@msu.edu by 11:59PM (Nigerian Time) on 23 February 2017. The email should have on the subject line: Application for 2017 FTFNAPP
Short-Term Visiting Scholar Program at MSU. All application materials need to be submitted as attachments to a single e-mail, preferably in a “zip” file.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of their previous research and academic achievements, the short write up (included in the application packet), their ability to demonstrate strong commitment to research and their academic advisor’s willingness to participate in the program
Successful applicants who have been shortlisted will receive word of acceptance and details on next steps by April 1, 2017
For further enquiries visit https://nigeria.usembassy.gov/mobile/fdfagric.html.
