FUNAAB Explores Partnership With German Agribusiness Firm on Greenhouse Farming and Agricultural Innovation

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has expressed readiness to collaborate with German agricultural consultancy firm, IAK Agrar Consulting, to strengthen greenhouse farming, agricultural research, extension services, and capacity development in Nigeria.

The engagement was disclosed on Monday, June 22, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of IAK Agrar Consulting, Mr. Sven Gehlhaar, and his delegation to FUNAAB. The visit provided a platform for discussions on potential areas of cooperation in modern agriculture and agribusiness development.

Key areas of interest include vegetable and fruit production, greenhouse technology, agricultural research, and training programmes aimed at improving productivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Gehlhaar explained that the visit formed part of a feasibility and prospect study to identify viable agricultural investment opportunities in Nigeria. He noted that the company is particularly focused on high-value vegetable and fruit crops with strong market demand, as well as scalable greenhouse technologies and innovative farming systems.

He added that the team also sought to understand FUNAAB’s strengths in agricultural research, seed development, extension services, and human capacity building. According to him, future collaboration may include employment opportunities for FUNAAB graduates, joint research projects, student internship programmes, and field-based studies on soil fertility, crop productivity, and sustainable farming practices.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, assured the delegation that the university has the technical expertise, infrastructure, and human resources required to support the proposed partnership, particularly in greenhouse cultivation, vegetable production, and climate-smart agriculture.

He stated that FUNAAB is positioning itself as a leading centre for greenhouse farming and conservation agriculture in Nigeria, adding that the university already has specialists in crop production, greenhouse management, and vegetable cultivation.

Prof. Kehinde also revealed plans to organise a major symposium and workshop on greenhouse farming aimed at equipping farmers and agricultural stakeholders across Southwestern Nigeria with modern knowledge and practical skills.

He highlighted the role of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) in bridging the gap between research outputs and farming communities through the dissemination of agricultural innovations and technologies.

According to him, Nigeria’s growing population presents significant opportunities for expanded fruit and vegetable production, while FUNAAB’s proximity to Lagos provides a strategic advantage for agribusiness growth and commercial agriculture.

He further noted the increasing adoption of greenhouse farming in Ogun and Lagos States, driven by rising investment interest and the demand for efficient, sustainable production systems.

The meeting was attended by the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, and the Director of AMREC, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, among others.