Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Trains 200 Students in Innovative Agribusiness Skills

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, November 28, 2025, launched the Beekeeping Enterprise Development 2.0, an enhanced 2-Day capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping students with practical agribusiness competencies. The programme, powered by WAFROEX, held its official flag-off at the Green Chamber.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, restated the University’s commitment to empowering students through skills-based, innovation-driven programmes. He described beekeeping as an eco-friendly enterprise that supports biodiversity while offering diverse income streams through honey, wax, propolis, and cosmetic derivatives. He added that although beekeeping was low-cost, it required strategic investment in essential tools to achieve sustainability.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the partnership with WAFROEX noting that it was in sync with FUNAAB’s innovation agenda and its drive to support experiential learning. He emphasised that FUNAAB remains committed to providing research support, hands-on training, and incubation opportunities for student-led agribusiness ventures. Declaring the training open, he encouraged participants to embrace the experience and transform their knowledge into viable enterprises.

The General Manager of WAFROEX Limited, Alhaji Abdulrahman Shomala, appreciated the University Management for sustaining the momentum of the project. He extolled the Vice-Chancellor’s exceptional support and encouraged students to participate fully in the training. Mr. Shomala described the lead facilitator, Mr. David Musa, as one of Nigeria’s foremost beekeeping experts, adding that the partnership with WAFROEX/Goldswarm has positioned FUNAAB as a pioneer in modern beekeeping technology, with over 300 hives already established on campus for the programme.

Speaking on behalf of FUNAAB’s Employability and Benchmarking Committee of the Career Services and Linkages Unit (CSLU), the Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, expressed delight at the initiative, which she said aligns with FUNAAB’s mission to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also professionally empowered. She encouraged students to explore beekeeping as a viable entrepreneurial pathway, sharing her personal experience as a beekeeper and highlighting the commercial potential of honey production. She commended the programme’s slogan, “Future Beekeepers, Future Entrepreneurs,” describing it as an inspiring call for students to embrace practical skills that shape future careers.

The Alternate Chairperson of the Committee also commended the success of the University’s maiden Career Fair held earlier in the week, noting that partnerships across industry, alumni, government, and academia remain vital to expanding student employability opportunities. She extended appreciation to the Chief Executives of WAFROEX/Goldswarm, Mr. Omar Lababidi and Mr. Samir Lababidi, for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural innovators.

Meanwhile, the Beekeeping Enterprise Development 2.0 initiative represents another milestone in FUNAAB’s ongoing efforts to enhance students’ practical skills, strengthen agribusiness innovation, and contribute to national development.