Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olaoye Oyewole & Joy Olabanji
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on October 20, 2026, unveiled an improved dual-energy fish smoking kiln aimed at promoting hygienic fish processing, reducing waste, strengthening food security and creating employment opportunities.
The Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), in collaboration with the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) and with sponsorship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), organised the demonstration workshop at the AMREC Training Hall.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Olawale Dairo, who was equally represented by the Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Kazeem Bello, commended the organisers for the initiative. He highlighted the University’s core value of “EXIGIS” and noted that the innovation aligned with efforts to minimise waste and promote sustainable food processing.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, challenged the research team to explore the integration of solar energy into the improved kiln, noting that the development could further enhance its efficiency, sustainability and potential to support livelihoods.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director of AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support and commended other dignitaries for their participation. He explained that the practical session was designed to demonstrate the operation of two improved smoking kilns powered by gas and charcoal, respectively.
Prof. Olaoye disclosed that the research would include palatability tests to assess the quality and acceptability of the smoked fish, alongside an economic analysis comparing the two kilns. He added that the innovation represented a practical research output with the potential to improve fish processing practices and contribute to food security.
Also speaking, Dr. Oluwayemisi Arigbede, who represented the Director of DRIP, underscored the importance of fish to food security and highlighted the need for improved processing technologies. She noted that conventional fish-smoking methods could be time-consuming and inadequate, making the improved technology a potentially more efficient alternative.
The Director reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions that address societal needs, adding that the innovation could create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods. She urged prospective users to maximise the benefits of the technology to promote hygienic fish processing and strengthen food security.
The workshop climaxed with a practical demonstration of fish smoking using the two improved kilns.
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