Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As IAR&T Holds 36th Southwest REFILS, Annual Research Review
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has stated that the University’s commitment to agricultural research and extension should serve as a model for Nigeria’s food security, calling on stakeholders to intensify their support as a critical solution to Nigeria’s food crisis. The Vice-Chancellor made this known while delivering the Keynote Address at the 36th Southwest Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage System (REFILS) Workshop and 2024/2025 Annual Research Review, held at the Prof. E.A. Adebowale Training Hall, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan, today, February 24, 2025.
Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Research and Extension in Overcoming Food Shortage Crisis in Nigeria,” Prof. Kehinde highlighted FUNAAB’s pioneering role, revealing that the University has successfully integrated research outcomes into practical solutions that benefit farmers, agricultural practitioners, and stakeholders. Through its Colleges, Institutes, Centres and Directorates, he said FUNAAB has developed a research and extension model that has revolutionised agricultural practices, not only within its immediate environment but also in surrounding communities.
Prof. Kehinde, a Fellow of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria attributed FUNAAB’s success to its strategic partnerships and collaborations with private sector players, research institutions, and policymakers, which have enhanced the University’s impact on food security and sustainable agriculture.
Calling for the need for strategic investments in agricultural research and extension, the Vice-Chancellor, who is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, urged policymakers and investors to prioritise funding for agricultural research and extension services as a sustainable way to tackle food insecurity. He pointed out that Nigeria, with its 68 million hectares of arable land, 12 million hectares of freshwater resources, and 960 kilometres of coastline, possesses the natural endowments needed to overcome food shortages, provided that research and innovation are adequately supported.
Prof. Kehinde, therefore, reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to advancing cutting-edge agricultural practices through Teaching, Research and Extension services, urging stakeholders to harness the vast opportunities in the sector to transform Nigeria into a global food powerhouse.
With FUNAAB leading the way, he expressed optimism that Nigeria can achieve food self-sufficiency and ensure sustainable agricultural development for future generations
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Simeon Bamire; the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye; representative of the Executive Director of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Prof. Muhammed Lawal Attanda, who also represented the Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Agricultural Institutes, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Prof. Lateef Sanni. Together, they emphasised the need for increased government funding for research and extension services to enhance food security in Nigeria.
Story prepared by Olasunkanmi Olajide, Olaoye Oyewole & Tofunmi Adebayo
