Last Updated on May 12, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Directs Formal Approval for Farming Activities on Campus

By Joy Adeyiga

In a bid to promote efficient land use and bolster agricultural productivity, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has approved the constitution of a Committee on Land Allocation for Agricultural Production.

The Committee was saddled with the responsibility of regulating land use for farming purposes across the University, ensuring that agricultural activities align with FUNAAB’s strategic development goals, agricultural revitalisation efforts and national discourse on food security and sustainable land use.

Chaired by Mr. Timothy Odedunmoye of the Directorate of Physical Planning, the Committee boasts a rich blend of professionals and academics with vast experience in land management, agricultural production, and sustainable research. Members included Mr. Olufisayo Amubode, Director, FUNAAB Integrated Ventures; Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, Ag. Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS); Dr. John Oyedepo, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR); Dr. Mathew Wheto, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics; and Mr. B. Chelen of the Dean’s Office, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), who serves as Secretary.

The Committee’s mandate included reviewing and approving applications for land allocation strictly for agriculture-related purposes, as well as harmonising existing land allocations to prevent encroachments and conflicts.

Others were advising University Management on future land distributions and proposing innovative ideas to enhance the University’s agricultural development, including submitting periodic reports to the Vice-Chancellor to promote transparency and accountability.

In line with the initiative, the University Management has issued a directive mandating that all members of the University Community must obtain formal approval before engaging in any farming activity on University land, whether for personal, academic, or research purposes.

A Circular signed by the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi informed that all requests for land use must be processed through the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Timothy Odedunmoye, at the Directorate of Physical Planning.

The Circular further emphasised that any unauthorised farming activity on campus would be at the owner’s risk, as the University seeks to maintain organised land use and safeguard developmental projects from encroachment.

Staff, students, and researchers are therefore enjoined to comply with this directive and obtain proper clearance before embarking on any agricultural activity within the University premises.