By Olasunkanmi Olajide
In a thought-provoking Convocation Lecture titled “From Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha: Interrogating Generational Dynamics and Agricultural Education in Nigeria,” by Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, the Secretary General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, has advocated for a technology-driven approach to modern agriculture and food production in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)’s 31st Convocation Lecture on Friday, January 26, 2024, Prof. Ochefu outlined the transformative potential of precision agriculture, drones, robots, driverless tractors, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, soilless farming, and vertical farming (urban agriculture).
The 31st Convocation Lecturer, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu delivering the Lecture
The Lecture delved into generational dynamics, tracing cycles from the Silent generation (Great-grandparents) through the Baby Boomers (Grandparents), Generation X (Parents), Millennials (Young adults), to Generation Alpha (Teenagers). Prof. Ochefu highlighted the 25-year generational cycle in African societies, emphasising that three generations co-exist with distinct experiences and pre-occupations.
Describing the Baby Boomers (born between 1946-1964) as the architects of the current technology-driven world, Prof. Ochefu stressed the need for Nigerian universities, particularly higher institutions, to embrace the virtual reality of Generation Z. He urged them to shed conservative traditions, acknowledging that universities play a dual role – offering ideas that shape society, while also holding onto traditions that may no longer align with current realities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, HRM, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu kingdom, commended the relevance of the Lecture, noting the significant shift from crude agricultural practices to a technology-intensive era.
Oba Matemilola stressed the importance of encouraging technology-savvy individuals born in the age of digitalisation to take an interest in agriculture.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, affirmed his administration’s commitment to providing skills and transformational knowledge, highlighting FUNAAB’s focus on remaining at the forefront of education with agriculture as its flagship programme.
Prof. Kehinde restated the role of the Convocation Lecture in exposing graduands and stakeholders to modern trends in agriculture education, signaling the institution’s determination to evolve into a 21st-century University.
He described FUNAAB’s emergence as the best University of Agriculture in Africa and 7th Best in the world as a result of hardwork and determination, calling for more dedication to sustain the accolades
Chairman of the 31st Convocation Lecture, HRM, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII (5th Left); his wife, Olori Aminat Adeleye Matemilola; the Convocation Lecturer, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu (4th Left); the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde (6th Left); Chancellor’s High Chiefs and Principal Officers after the 31st Convocation Lecture
Meanwhile, Prof. Ochefu is a former Vice-Chancellor of Kwararafa University, Taraba State and presently, President of the University of Calabar Alumni Association.
Present at the Lecture were the Olori of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Aminat Adeleye Matemilola, members of the University Community, as well as guests from the academia outside of the University.
