By Simeon Shodimu
Transform University farms into innovation and food production Hub, ex-director urges FUNAAB
In recent years, university-based agricultural systems in Nigeria have come under increasing scrutiny over their capacity to move beyond academic training and contribute meaningfully to national food security and economic diversification. As the pressure mounts to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and practical food production, experts are advocating a shift toward more commercially driven and innovation-focused farm models within tertiary institutions. It is against this backdrop that stakeholders at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have renewed calls for a redefinition of university farms as engines of innovation, enterprise, and sustainable revenue generation.
A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Ojo, has called for a bold rethinking of university farms across Nigeria, urging their transformation from conventional teaching facilities into fully-fledged centres of innovation, food production, and sustainable revenue generation.
Ojo made the call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms, FUNAAB, where stakeholders gathered to examine the future of institutional agriculture under the theme: “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation.”
According to him, university farms are no longer limited to traditional roles of crop cultivation and student training, but are increasingly becoming strategic platforms for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
“University farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration,” he said.
He noted that the sector holds significant untapped potential in areas such as research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration, all of which could reposition universities as key players in national food systems.
Ojo further advocated a shift towards commercial-oriented farm management, stressing the need for operators to embrace value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.
“These are pathways not only to boost food production but also to generate sustainable revenue for universities,” he added.
However, the former director warned that several structural constraints continue to hinder the full optimisation of university farms. He identified inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and a limited commercial mindset as major challenges.
To address these gaps, Ojo proposed the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern agricultural technologies, stronger partnerships with private sector actors, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.
Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, he paid tribute to past leadership, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the university farm system.
He also acknowledged successive administrations for expanding cashew and oil palm plantations and establishing processing facilities aimed at strengthening value addition within the system.
Ojo commended both staff and alumni for their contributions to the growth of the farm enterprise, urging current personnel to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development in line with global best practices.
Looking ahead, he recommended further expansion of plantation crops such as cashew and oil palm, revival of underutilised crops, establishment of crop collection plots, and exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production as a viable revenue stream for the institution.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, while declaring the seminar open, underscored the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in advancing the university’s mandate.
He noted that FUNAAB was established not only for teaching and research, but also for meaningful community engagement and agricultural support for farmers.
Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its ongoing value addition initiatives, urging staff in livestock production to scale up operations in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to further enhance the visibility and impact of the university farm system.
