November 2, 2010

Novus announces new partnership in Africa

Novus International Inc., a global leader in animal health and nutrition, has announced a new Novus Scholars partnership with Egerton University located near Nakuru, Kenya. 

The agreement, signed earlier this month, details how Novus International will assist the University in developing its local capacity as well as support the local feed industry by providing equipment and training.

"We have established a repeatable model with our Novus Scholars programme that benefits students, professors and our employees," said Dr. Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Novus International. "I have witnessed the growth of these programmes. They are encouraging knowledge transfer and developing real employment opportunities for graduates." 

Working with multiple Universities around the world the Novus Scholars Programme awards professors and students who are, or will be, industry leaders in agriculture with scholarships and fellowships. "Through these programmes, we have established a network of technical collaborators which help us develop relevant customer solutions for diverse regions around the world," said Gasperoni.

The Novus Scholars Programme in Africa aims to improve education and first-hand knowledge of animal health and nutrition in the African scientific communities for livestock and aquaculture. The partnership will allow two Egerton employees with a background in analytical chemistry and laboratory analysis to receive hands-on training at Novus's Saint Charles, Missouri, USA Research Laboratories for a period of approximately 90 days. Once training has been completed, Novus has agreed to assist with equipment and capacity building development of an analytical laboratory at Egerton University. This laboratory will serve the East Africa regional feed industry. Through Egerton, Novus also plans to establish a reference laboratory to support the industry in the East Africa regional community (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi).

Founded in 1939 through a land grant of 740 acres by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, the University was originally named Egerton Farm School. The name later changed to Egerton Agricultural College and offered a one-year certificate and two-year diploma course in agriculture. In 1987, the College was officially recognised as a Chartered Public University. Today, Egerton University offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture, Food Science and Technology, Water and environmental engineering, Agriculture Economics and Horticulture.