FUNAAB Concludes Two-Day DIGISOL Digital Innovation Hub Workshop, Showcasing Technology-Driven Solutions for Agriculture and SMEs

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) successfully concluded its two-day DIGISOL Digital Innovation Hub Workshop on December 16, 2025, reinforcing the university’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies and strategic partnerships to advance sustainable agriculture and strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

At the closing ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), urged stakeholders to rethink conventional approaches to achieve more impactful outcomes. He highlighted FUNAAB’s significant investment in the project and emphasized expectations for innovative outputs that deliver tangible societal benefits.

Prof. Kehinde commended the university’s model of research and development through private-sector collaboration, stressing that such partnerships are critical in translating academic research into practical solutions addressing real-world challenges in agriculture and enterprise development.

The workshop’s first day focused on foundational engagement, while the second day, themed “Digital Innovation Hub and Startups,” brought together tech hubs, SMEs, cooperatives, academic institutions, and local authorities. In his remarks, Prof. Christopher Eze, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, underscored the pivotal role of universities in generating research-driven innovations and stressed that collaboration with tech hubs and SMEs is essential for converting research into viable solutions that promote entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and stronger academia-industry linkages.

The event featured several key presentations:

• Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Dashboard – Presented by the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Augustine Oyesanwen, and represented by MIS Officer Mr. Adefisayo Adebayo, the AMIS platform provides real-time, accurate market data on commodity prices, production, supply, demand, and trade, helping reduce information gaps and price volatility while improving coordination along the agricultural value chain.

  RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: FUNAAB Hosts Hands-On Youth Beekeeping Training Under WAFROEX Partnership

• Digital Innovation in Agriculture – Prof. Mutiu Busari, Director of the Directorate of Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), highlighted mobile advisory services, digital extension platforms, and precision agriculture tools that empower farmers and SMEs with timely information, optimized input use, and climate-smart practices, enhancing productivity and resilience.

• AKILIMO Digital App – Mr. Olufemi Akinniyi, Director of Agricultural Extension Services at Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP), presented the app as a farmer-friendly decision-support tool offering site-specific recommendations on crop varieties, fertilizer application, planting density, and weed management, aimed at improving farm incomes and promoting sustainable food systems.

• Digital Access and Innovation for SMEs – Mrs. Olatundun Adekunte, Special Adviser at Ogun State Bureau of Information and Technology, discussed how digital platforms are transforming SME operations through expanded market access, streamlined processes, and enhanced customer engagement, emphasizing digital literacy as key for inclusive growth and economic resilience.

  YOU MIGHT LIKE: Igbinedion University Students Advance To National Enterprise Challenge Grand Finale With “Uni-Market IUO”

• Gender Perspectives in Digital Innovation – Dr. Saidat Onikosi-Aliyu of Al-Hikmah University stressed integrating gender considerations into digital agricultural tools to ensure equitable access and benefits for women, who are critical to farming yet often face barriers in technology, finance, and information.

• Practical Public–Private–Academic–CSO Partnership Model – Dr. Tajudeen Ajala, also from Al-Hikmah University, highlighted collaborative frameworks that strengthen agricultural value chains through mentorship, capacity building, and access to innovation hubs.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, Zonal Coordinator of the DIGISOL Project, acknowledged the European Union’s support and described Digital Innovation Hubs as vital platforms for collaboration, experimentation, learning, and scaling of climate-smart solutions that connect farmers, innovators, researchers, policymakers, and investors while addressing local needs.

The workshop successfully demonstrated FUNAAB’s position at the forefront of digital innovation for agriculture and SME development, reinforcing the university’s vision of fostering sustainable, technology-driven solutions for national and regional development.