By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo has reiterated the mandate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) as Teaching, Research, and Extension Services.

Prof. Adebayo disclosed this recently while playing host to an interview on the Ogun State Television (OGTV) Program tagged, “YOUR IMAGE” with Akin Okudero, FNIPR.

Responding to questions on the programme, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development addressed the misconceptions surrounding the purpose of Agricultural Universities, restating that the establishment of Federal Universities of Agriculture was intended to create specialised institutions dedicated to teaching, research, and extension services, thereby supporting the agricultural ecosystem in Nigeria.

Prof. Adebayo stressed that these universities play a vital role in providing high-level manpower for the agricultural sector, and are not to be regarded as commercial farms but as institutions tasked with the crucial responsibility of training individuals who would contribute to the food production industry.

According to him, the key performance indicators of these universities are research funding, impact, and collaboration, along with the quality of alumni.

He, therefore, highlighted the importance of outreach services, such as collaborating with agricultural extension projects and research institutes, to advance the field of agriculture in the country.

Besides, Prof. Adebayo attributed FUNAAB’s recent developments in infrastructural facilities, high-tech equipment, and Library renovations as contributing factors to its recognition as the Best University of Agriculture and the 11th Best-Valued University in Africa.

He said that the University can compete globally with its irrigation facilities, superior Library, and advanced laboratories.

Addressing the issue of students’ dependence on government jobs, Prof. Adebayo outlined the need for sustainable access to land, finance, proper market facilities, and security.

He noted that FUNAAB students engage in a community farming scheme prior to their final year, providing them with valuable skills for self-employment.

Corroborating Prof. Adebayo, the Director, Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), Prof. Jacob Olaoye who was also a co-guest at the Program, gave more insights into extension services, explaining FUNAAB’s role in disseminating profitable and appropriate technologies to farm families and stakeholders in agriculture.

Prof. Olaoye stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, stakeholders’ meetings, and partnerships in delivering extension services.

Both Professors Adebayo and Olaoye expressed their optimism about FUNAAB’s role in developing access, introducing new trends, and fostering collaboration and success stories in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.