Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Partnerships at NOLAP Farms Anniversary

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has restated its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen agricultural systems and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the second anniversary celebration of the partnership between FUNAAB and NOLAP Farms, held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the University’s Red Chamber, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, emphasized the institution’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders driving agricultural transformation. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo.

According to Prof. Kehinde, the University’s collaborations are anchored on a shared vision for innovation and growth. “We are bringing in more people to develop our system. Once you see any development in FUNAAB, it gives joy that you’re associated with this institution,” he said. He commended NOLAP Farms for its forward-thinking initiatives and described its partnership with FUNAAB as a model of meaningful university–industry collaboration.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOLAP Farms, Dr. Noah Bankole, a proud alumnus of FUNAAB, reflected on his entrepreneurial journey and the inspiration behind the initiative. He recalled how his passion for agriculture began as a student and evolved into a full-fledged agribusiness enterprise. Despite challenges such as insecurity, high production costs, and limited access to machinery, Dr. Bankole noted that persistence and innovation have kept the vision alive. “Becoming opulent needs empowerment,” he remarked, urging students to remain visionary, resilient, and purpose-driven.

Dr. Bankole also commended the University’s leadership for facilitating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalised NOLAP’s partnership with FUNAAB, describing it as a foundation for innovation-driven learning and youth empowerment.

The Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Kazeem Bello, highlighted the significance of the FUNAAB–NOLAP partnership in promoting experiential learning and enterprise development. He explained that the collaboration exposes students to practical agricultural training while preparing them for leadership in agribusiness. “We are not building muscle; we are building brains,” Prof. Bello stated, noting that efforts are underway to integrate precision agriculture, biotechnology, and agribusiness management into the students’ field experience.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Oluwole Fateru, praised Dr. Bankole for giving back to his alma mater and promoting youth empowerment. She encouraged students to cultivate passion, discipline, and purpose, reminding them that “You are not the future; you are the now. Your children are the tomorrow. Build passion to drive your vision, and you’ll secure a better future.”

Other goodwill messages came from Engr. Sheriff Bankole, former Special Adviser to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; the Chief Agricultural Officer, COBFAS; and the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUNAAB Branch, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode.

The event climaxed with the launch of a music single titled “E Go Better,” produced by FUNAAB students under the NOLAP initiative. The song celebrates hope, resilience, and the spirit of youth-led innovation in agriculture.