The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has intensified efforts to tackle food insecurity through expanded agricultural infrastructure, research and technology-driven farming, with plans to begin commercial production and target export markets.
Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, disclosed this during her fourth-year anniversary tour of key projects across the institution.
She said the university’s investments in poultry, feed milling, crop production and greenhouse farming were aimed at solving societal challenges, particularly food insecurity.
“Our research and infrastructure development are driven by societal needs, especially in tackling food insecurity,” she said.
The first female Vice Chancellor in the institution noted that with support from TETFund, FUTA had revived and expanded its poultry project, while students were also being trained in value addition through feed production and agricultural processing.
She said the university’s locally fabricated greenhouse project would support all-season farming and boost commercial production of peppers and tomatoes.
“We are targeting commercial farming that will serve the host community and support export opportunities,” she added.
According to her, technology remained central to the institution’s agricultural vision, with automated poultry systems improving efficiency and productivity.
Beyond agriculture, the VC inspected the renovated Akindeko Hostel, Public Health Laboratory Museum and a newly completed guest chalet built to improve accommodation for visiting researchers and scholars.
She said the projects were funded through TETFund, internally generated revenue and support from well-meaning Nigerians and the Akure community.
“We want FUTA to remain a strong contributor to agriculture and national development,” Oladiji said.