Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Joy Adeyiga

In a strategic step to address Nigeria’s food security challenges, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OneWorld Agribusiness Limited to commence large-scale cassava production on campus.

Speaking during the official MoU signing ceremony held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, noted that while the University’s core mandate is Teaching, Research, and Community engagement, the current food crisis requires innovative approaches. He stressed that the partnership would ensure productive land use while offering practical training opportunities for students.

“We know the way forward is public-private partnerships, but we are deliberate in partnering with institutions that value integrity and excellence,” Prof. Kehinde said. “We want this partnership to be a win-win for both parties, with responsible land use that benefits the community and provides hands-on training for our students.”

He further assured that the University would uphold transparency and adhere strictly to the agreement terms, clarifying that the land remains a Federal Government asset and not for lease but for collaborative productive use approved by the Governing Council of the University.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of OneWorld Agribusiness Limited, Engr. Kayode Sodimu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to boosting cassava production, noting its potential to provide immediate benefits to the surrounding community and contribute to national food security.

Engr. Sodimu revealed that investors have already shown interest with significant funding commitments, with plans to process high-quality cassava flour and starch for both local consumption and export.

“We’re focusing on integration production, processing, and export,” he said, adding that site preparations for the project are expected to begin by next month in readiness for the next planting season.

The collaboration is poised to stimulate agricultural productivity while positioning FUNAAB as a hub for practical agribusiness engagement, innovation, and youth empowerment, in line with the Federal Government’s drive for increased food production across the country.

Present at the ceremony were the Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole; Ag. Director, Directorate of Health Services, Dr. Oluseyi Anjorin; Chairman, FUNAAB Land Allocation Committee, Mr. Timothy Odedunmoye; DUFARMS’ Head of Crop Production, Mr. Olufemi Solarin, and Mr. Olusegun Ogunyemi, among others.