By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
In a move inspired by the University’s Founding Fathers, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has initiated the planting of 3,000 cocoa seedlings to enhance its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Founding Fathers planted cashews and Teak, among others for teaching, research and revenue generation.
During the inspection of the ongoing planting of the cocoa seedlings today, July 24, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde said that as a foremost University of Agriculture in Africa, such a project should ordinarily be seen on campus.
According to him, the project marked a significant step towards long-term financial sustainability for the University.
The cocoa plantation, located at the University’s Arboretum near the Ceremonial Gate, spans a 7-hectare area.
At the planting site, Prof. Mufutau Atayese, the Technical Consultant for the project, highlighted the University Administration’s foresight in expanding FUNAAB’s revenue base.
He explained that the cocoa seedlings, sourced from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), would start flowering in two years, reach maturity in three years, and yield a substantial harvest by the second harvest year.
Prof. Atayese, a former Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), emphasised that the project aligned with the University Management’s commitment to diversifying income sources and ensuring the sustenance of long-term productivity.
Additionally, the Arboretum featured a variety of lost crops of indigenous and exotic species of trees, such as Teak, Araba, Treculiar Africana (Afon), Ficus Carpensis (Opoto), and Cajanus Cajan, among others enriching the biodiversity of the area.
The cocoa plantation project underscores FUNAAB’s dedication to leveraging its agricultural expertise for financial and environmental sustainability, reaffirming its status as a leading University of Agriculture in Africa.
Meanwhile, it should be recalled that in June 2024, the University planted over 4,000 species of trees namely Mahogany, Afara and Locust Beans, including 2,000 Gmelina seedlings planted by students of the Forestry Department at different locations within the campus.
