FUNAAB Unveils Improved Fish Smoking Kiln to Boost Food Security, Create Jobs

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has unveiled an improved dual-energy fish smoking kiln designed to promote hygienic fish processing, reduce waste, strengthen food security and create employment opportunities.

The innovation was unveiled on October 20, 2026, during a demonstration workshop organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), in collaboration with the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC), with sponsorship from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The workshop took place at the AMREC Training Hall.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Olawale Dairo, who was also represented by the Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Professor Kazeem Bello, commended the organisers for the initiative.

He highlighted the university’s core value of “EXIGIS” and noted that the innovation aligned with efforts to minimise waste and promote sustainable food processing.

The Vice-Chancellor challenged the research team to explore integrating solar energy into the improved kiln, explaining that the development could further enhance its efficiency, sustainability and potential to support livelihoods.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director of AMREC, Professor Jacob Olaoye, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his support and commended other dignitaries for their participation.

He explained that the practical session was designed to demonstrate the operation of two improved fish smoking kilns powered by gas and charcoal, respectively.

Olaoye disclosed that the research would include palatability tests to assess the quality and acceptability of the smoked fish, alongside an economic analysis comparing the two kilns.

He added that the innovation represented a practical research output with the potential to improve fish processing practices and contribute to food security.

Also speaking, Dr. Oluwayemisi Arigbede, who represented the Director of DRIP, emphasised the importance of fish to food security and the need for improved processing technologies.

She noted that conventional fish-smoking methods could be time-consuming and inadequate, making the improved technology a potentially more efficient alternative.

Arigbede reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to translating research findings into practical solutions that address societal needs. She added that the innovation could create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods.

She urged prospective users to maximise the benefits of the technology to promote hygienic fish processing and strengthen food security.

The workshop concluded with a practical demonstration of fish smoking using the two improved kilns.

The initiative aligns with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure