Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
The College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, July 21, 2025, commenced its 2nd Biennial Conference with the theme “Advancing Sustainable Food Systems Through Climate-Smart Crop Production.”
Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, emphasised the importance of impactful research and collaborative efforts in combating climate change and ensuring global food security. He encouraged participants to actively engage, exchange innovative ideas, and build enduring partnerships.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. ‘Bola Senjobi, described the conference as a timely platform where science, policy, and innovation intersect to address the urgent need for climate-smart solutions in agriculture. He called for a bold transformation of global food systems in the face of climate-induced challenges.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Prof. Gabriel Oluwatosin, advocated for equitable, resilient, and environmentally sustainable strategies to meet the food demands of a growing population. He highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change and stressed the need for sustainable approaches grounded in soil science, seed innovation, and sound scientific practices. Quoting the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Prof. Oluwatosin reiterated that agriculture was both a victim and a contributor to climate challenges, necessitating urgent reforms aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
In a Goodwill Message, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, lauded COLPLANT for its forward-thinking initiative. He urged academics to embrace modern technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), precision farming, variable-rate input applications, and smart irrigation systems. He noted that these innovations were particularly relevant to the tech-savvy younger generation. Prof. Salako, fondly referred to as “Mr. Projects” during his tenure, expressed appreciation to the organisers for addressing critical issues in Nigeria’s food system.
The conference focused on promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices, including smart irrigation techniques, resilient seed systems, and the application of digital agriculture. Participants were encouraged to think beyond traditional paradigms and contribute meaningfully to knowledge exchange and innovation.
Present at the event were prominent members of the University Management and community, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari; Director, Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. Abimbola ‘Wunmi-Okuneye; Director, Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye; Deputy Registrar I (Senate and Admissions), Dr. Abdussobur Salaam; Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole; as well as several frontline academic staff and members of the COLPLANT and broader FUNAAB community.
