Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Poised to Serve as a Training, Research, Commercial Hub

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Bolanle Olawepo

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), is set to commence operations at its modern abattoir nearing completion, a facility designed to promote hygienic meat processing, research, and training in line with global best practices.

The announcement came as a major highlight of the Governing Council’s recent inspection tour of completed projects across the University, where Council members commended the initiative as a landmark stride towards achieving food safety, value addition, and community engagement.

Located within the Animal Demonstration Laboratory complex, the FUNAAB Modern Abattoir is equipped with cutting-edge machines capable of processing livestock under hygienic conditions, ensuring minimal human contact and optimal safety standards. The abattoir features dual-entry safety doors, a controlled-access system to restrict unauthorised entry, and facilities that guarantee humane slaughter practices, ensuring that animals are processed efficiently without unnecessary struggle.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the abattoir represents a significant milestone in the University’s pursuit of food safety and agricultural innovation. He stated, “The modern abattoir is designed not only for teaching and research purposes but also to serve the surrounding community. It will provide students, especially those in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, with hands-on training in modern meat processing techniques, while also ensuring that meat production within and around FUNAAB meets the highest hygienic standards.”

He added that members of the public would be allowed to bring their animals for slaughter at subsidised rates, emphasising that the initiative aligns with the University’s drive to bridge the gap between academia and society.

To ensure smooth operations and sustainability, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that a five-member management committee, chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), has been constituted to oversee the abattoir’s administration and ensure its efficient use for teaching, research, and commercial activities.

Prof. Kehinde further noted that the abattoir would be supported by a 100 KVA power generator dedicated to maintaining food safety operations, alongside a cold van. In addition, he revealed that a cold room was currently under construction to provide additional storage and preservation capacity.

“When fully operational, the abattoir will not only enhance students’ practical exposure but will also serve the public by supplying high-quality meat products to restaurants, households, and food vendors within Abeokuta,” Prof. Kehinde affirmed.