The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA Professor Adenike Oladiji has tasked undergraduates and young people who are interested in agriculture to devise innovative ideas that can make farming less cumbersome and more lucrative as a business venture.
She gave the charge during the flag off of a compulsory agriculture course for all year II students of the institution- CSP 210 – Farm operations for the planting of maize for the 2025 season- on the 17th of August 2025 at the University Farms.
Professor Oladiji said, “Innovation in farming is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. By harnessing the power of innovation, we can ensure food security, promote sustainability, and build a more resilient agricultural sector. Let us work together to create a future where farming is not just a tradition but a thriving, innovative industry that benefits all. Young people should also begin to see agriculture as a worthy vocation and business venture that they can go into even from their undergraduate days. This can be done through deliberate efforts and incentives by government and other stakeholders which encourage young people to see farming and agriculture as worthwhile venture and profitable vocation”.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “The course which is COMPULSORY for all 200 level students fosters communal labor , mutual cooperation , innovation and unity. As you work together think of ways to add value to the society and you may also start agriculture-based business partnership from this class.”
She said the students can also leverage on the University’s Vegetable Production Centre led by Professor Ayoola Olalusi of the Department of Agricultural Engineering to learn new methods of farming especially in the area of Green pepper production.
She said the pepper presented to the Members of the Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor Senator Nora Daduut during the last meeting were from the University’s Greenhouse farm.
Professor Oladiji said the University was building more Green Houses soon, taking it from one to six before the end of the year. “This is because we also want to ensure that those who want to be trained in its production have ample places and also because of increasing demand . The market is waiting for us. We have increased demands of the product all over the country and we cannot afford to disappoint our clients” The Vice Chancellor said.
Professor Oladiji said FUTA is not paying lip service to food security and is ready to partner with governments and organization to make the expertise in the institution available for famers and those interested in small- and large-scale faming and food preservation.
On his part the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology SAAT, Professor Oladele Adebayo reiterated the importance of farming in Nigeria.
AHe said Nigeria has a teeming population that thrives on the produce of Agriculture. He urged the students to look beyond the drudgery involved in the farming operations but focus on the lessons of resilience and productivity.
In his remarks the Head of Department, Crop soil and Pest Management Professor Ewulo commended the university management for their commitment to agriculture and instilling the virtues of hard work and diligence in the students through the course. He was optimistic that the experience gathered in the field will prove invaluable in the future for students.