By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Ado A. Yusuf, has received the Pillars of Integrity in Public Service Award 2026, in recognition of his leadership and the institute’s commitment to integrity, transparency, accountability and professionalism in public service.
The award was presented to Prof. Yusuf at a ceremony organised by Verbatim Magazine on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The recognition was conferred on institutions identified among the top 100 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) featured in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) 2025.
The award underscores the importance of ethical standards, institutional accountability and compliance in public-sector administration, while recognising organisations that have demonstrated commitment to strengthening integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their mandates.
Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Prof. Yusuf expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, describing it as a consolidation of the values and principles for which the Institute for Agricultural Research, ABU Zaria, stands.
He said the award was not only an honour but also a wake-up call to him and his team to do more in advancing agricultural research, innovation and development for the benefit of Nigerians and humanity.
According to him, integrity, transparency and accountability remain central to the institute’s operations and its efforts to translate agricultural research into practical solutions capable of addressing food-security challenges.
“This recognition is a consolidation of the values for which the Institute for Agricultural Research, ABU Zaria, stands. We stand for integrity, transparency and accountability,” he said.
Prof. Yusuf stressed that the recognition would further encourage the institute to intensify its efforts in agricultural research and innovation, particularly in developing solutions that can contribute to a food-secure Nigeria.
He said his priority was to leave behind a strong legacy of research, innovation and agricultural transformation capable of producing sustainable benefits for farmers, policymakers and the wider society.
“My priority is to leave a thriving research, innovation and agricultural transformation legacy for a food-secure Nigeria,” he said.
The IAR Executive Director noted that the institute had continued to contribute to agricultural development through the improvement of crop varieties and the promotion of climate-smart agricultural technologies.
He said these efforts were complemented by initiatives aimed at strengthening seed systems, improving engagement with farmers and developing strategic partnerships that would enable research findings to move beyond laboratories and research institutions into practical applications.
According to him, the institute’s approach is focused on translating scientific research into solutions that can address real agricultural challenges, while also contributing to policy engagement and the development of a more resilient agricultural sector.
“We have improved crop varieties and climate-smart technologies, strengthened seed systems, enhanced farmer engagement and developed strategic partnerships, translating science into solutions, policy engagement and many others,” he said.
Prof. Yusuf further pledged that he would continue to give his best towards repositioning the Institute for Agricultural Research and ensuring that it remains relevant to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He said the award should not be viewed as an occasion for complacency, stressing that recognition for good performance comes with an added responsibility to maintain and improve existing standards.
“I will continue to do my best and make sure this Institute for Agricultural Research, ABU Zaria, moves forward,” he said.
He added: “It’s a recognition, and we don’t look at it as something to just relax. We will not rest on our oars. We’ll continue to forge forward and become even better and stronger.”
The Verbatim Pillars of Integrity in Public Service Award 2026 was based on editorial profiling derived from the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard 2025, with the recognition highlighting institutions that have demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and integrity compliance.
For the Institute for Agricultural Research, the recognition further highlights the role of ethical leadership and institutional accountability in strengthening public-sector research and development.
The institute, under Prof. Yusuf’s leadership, is expected to continue its focus on agricultural research, innovation, improved crop production, climate-smart technologies, farmer engagement and strategic partnerships as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s food and agricultural development.
The award therefore serves both as recognition of the institute’s existing commitment to integrity and as an additional responsibility to sustain high standards of transparency, accountability and professionalism in its operations.
As Nigeria continues to pursue strategies aimed at strengthening food security, improving agricultural productivity and building resilience against climate-related challenges, institutions such as the Institute for Agricultural Research remain important in providing the scientific knowledge, technologies and innovations required to support farmers and policymakers.
Prof. Yusuf’s acceptance of the award consequently reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that agricultural research remains closely connected to national development priorities, while maintaining the values of integrity and accountability in public service.
