ACU Commences Harvest of Giant Catfish in Major Revenue Drive

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has commenced the harvest of giant catfish from its university dams as part of a major internally generated revenue (IGR) initiative.

The harvest began on Monday, August 31, 2026, with tons of fish being brought out for sale to buyers from different parts of Nigeria.

The exercise, which was still ongoing as of Wednesday, September 3, 2026, attracted buyers from across the South-West and as far as the South-East, with fish weighing at least 10 kilogrammes each being harvested.

Speaking at the harvest venue, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Sunday Adigbo, disclosed that the fish were reared by staff of the faculty through a carefully managed aquaculture programme.

“The least of these fish weighs not less than 10 kilogrammes,” Prof. Adigbo stated.

He explained that the harvest was intended to generate revenue for the university after significant investment had been made in the fish production.

“The essence of this harvest is to sell them as a means of internally generated revenue for the university. We have invested massively in the fish, and it is the right time to reap from that investment,” he said.

The Dean expressed appreciation to the university management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, for its continued interest in agriculture. He also commended members of the Faculty of Agriculture for their efforts in making the fish farming initiative successful.

“Buyers are coming not only from the South-West but also from the South-East of the country to buy these fishes, considering their sizes,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, who was present at the dam on Monday, August 31, to oversee the commencement of the harvest, also expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the fish farming project from its inception.

“Agriculture is the soul of a nation,” Prof. Oduwole said.

She expressed optimism that the university’s agricultural and entrepreneurial products would soon become widely available in Oyo town and beyond.

“I am optimistic that soon, Ajayi Crowther University's agricultural and entrepreneurial products will flood Oyo town and beyond,” she stated.

Prof. Oduwole assured that her administration would continue to provide adequate support to faculties and academic programmes in its efforts to position ACU ahead of its peers.

The giant catfish harvest marks another step in Ajayi Crowther University’s efforts towards self-sufficiency, agricultural innovation and revenue generation, while demonstrating the potential of Nigerian universities to utilise their resources for both academic development and economic sustainability.

The initiative also reflects the university’s contribution towards Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to achieve zero hunger, particularly within its immediate community and beyond.