FUNAAB Intensifies Agricultural Revitalisation, Food Security Drive as 8-Hectare Maize Farm Enters Harvest Season

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has intensified its agricultural revitalisation and food security efforts as the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) commenced the harvest and sale of maize from its 8-hectare farm.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, disclosed this on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during the commencement of the sale of the freshly harvested maize, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the University's contributions to food security, agricultural education, enterprise development and community engagement.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the maize farm is part of the Farm Practical Year (FPY) programme for 400-Level students, which provides practical exposure to agricultural production and enterprise development across the value chain, from production planning and cultivation to harvesting, marketing and commercialisation.

Prof. Kehinde explained that students had also participated in the cultivation and marketing of vegetables, greenhouse-grown tomatoes and leafy vegetables, noting that such practical experiences were essential to producing graduates with the technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria's agricultural transformation.

He said FUNAAB was also supporting the Federal Government's food security efforts through the productive use of its extensive land resources. However, he noted that large-scale agricultural production required significant financial and human resources, making strategic partnerships necessary.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that between 5,000 and 6,000 hectares of the University's land were currently under cultivation through partnerships with various organisations, with about a dozen partners involved in different agricultural activities. Some of the partners, he added, were also exploring opportunities for agro-processing on the University campus.

Prof. Kehinde further revealed that the FUNAAB Alumni Association had taken up approximately 2,000 hectares for cultivation, describing the development as a major achievement under the University's Agricultural Revitalisation Programme.

He stressed that the University's strategy was to convert its land resources into productive agricultural assets while strengthening partnerships capable of contributing to food production, employment creation and enterprise development.

Speaking on the maize harvest, the Director of COBFAS, Prof. Dare Akerele, explained that harvesting was being carried out in phases to ensure effective management of the farm and maintain a steady supply of fresh maize.

He disclosed that the freshly harvested maize was being sold at the Bus Stop opposite the Directorate of Public Relations to members of the University community, market women and buyers from neighbouring towns and cities.

Prof. Akerele attributed the success of the project to the support of the University Management, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, the expertise of COBFAS Agricultural Officers, favourable weather conditions and collaboration with Premier Seed, which supplied the improved Vitamin A-rich maize variety.

He added that the project was fully mechanised and that the maize variety was also being evaluated for drought tolerance.

Looking ahead, Prof. Akerele disclosed that COBFAS plans to cultivate about 10 hectares of maize during the dry season, with fertilisers and basic agrochemicals already procured.

He said returning FPY students would participate in the project as part of their practical training, while the Centre would also explore maize drying and threshing, animal feed production and poultry farming.

According to him, these initiatives are expected to strengthen food security, promote entrepreneurship and contribute to local economic development. He therefore called for continued institutional support and collaboration.

The ongoing COBFAS initiative reinforces FUNAAB's contribution to SDG 2 through food production, practical agricultural education, sustainable farming, value addition, entrepreneurship, research, strategic partnerships and community engagement.

The initiative also advances SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals.