COOU Faculty of Agriculture Spearheads Expansion of Modern Bee Farm
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) is set to expand its modern Bee Farm located at the Igbariam campus. A visit on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, captured the essence of the operational COOU Bee Farm within the faculty.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a groundbreaking move towards agricultural sustainability and revenue generation, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) is set to expand its modern Bee Farm located at the Igbariam campus.
A visit on Wednesday, January 31st, 2024, captured the essence of the operational COOU Bee Farm within the faculty. Mr. Chukwuemeka Okafor, the University Apiculturist, emphasized the uniqueness of COOU housing a state-of-the-art Bee Farm, the only one of its kind in the local vicinity.
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The Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Ugwumba, expressed the faculty's ambitious plans to enlarge the Bee Farm to serve as a significant source of revenue for both the faculty and the entire University community. The expansion aims to ensure a steady supply of high-quality honey not only to the University but also to the surrounding areas.
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Prof. Ugwumba outlined six key areas of interest within the Faculty, highlighting the nursery production for tree crops and vegetable/fruit production, sensitization of activities within the Faculty, table egg production, intensive fish farming (both fresh and smoked fishes), bakery for the production of bread and snacks, and most prominently, the expansion of the Honey Bee Farm.
The Dean acknowledged the support and vision of the new Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, expressing gratitude for her passion and determination to prioritize agriculture as the University's main source of internal revenue generation. He affirmed the Faculty's commitment to partner and deliver exceptional results.
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Prof. Omenugha, upon assuming office, urged every unit in the University to embrace entrepreneurship, emphasizing the need for departments to think innovatively in the 21st century for survival. She highlighted the significance of professors taking a proactive role in driving the business aspect of education.
The planned expansion of the COOU Bee Farm aligns with the University's broader vision of promoting sustainable agriculture and fostering economic growth within the academic community. As COOU continues to make strides in agricultural innovation, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences remains at the forefront, contributing to both education and economic development.
