FUNAAB VC Advocates Youth-Led Agricultural Innovation to Secure Nigeria’s Food Future

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape through innovation and technology-driven solutions that guarantee food security and sustainability.

Professor Kehinde made the call on Thursday, October 16, 2025, during the University’s commemoration of the 2025 World Food Day, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” He emphasised that the future of global food systems rests on the creativity, resilience, and technological ingenuity of young people who must now see agriculture not merely as a survival trade but as a strategic frontier for innovation and national growth.

Reaffirming FUNAAB’s commitment to this vision, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the University, through the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) and other research centres, continues to develop sustainable agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and conserve the environment.

“As a University of Agriculture, our goal is to produce a generation of young Nigerians who are innovators—equipped with the scientific and entrepreneurial skills needed to modernise agriculture, achieve food security, and contribute to global exports,” Professor Kehinde said. He further called on government and industry stakeholders to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Climate Action.

Representing the Director of IFSERAR, Professor Olusegun Idowu, the Director of the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. Abimbola ’Wunmi Okunneye, underscored the need for collaboration among researchers, farmers, and policymakers to achieve national food security. She praised the University’s leadership and partners for their continued commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainable development.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Olugbenga Alayode, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUNAAB Branch, and Chief Agricultural Officer at COBFAS, described food as the foundation of human survival and well-being. He commended IFSERAR for fostering dialogue across the agricultural value chain, adding, “We are what we eat, and we must continue to champion food systems that are safe, inclusive, and sustainable.”

In his keynote address, agricultural expert Mr. Sarafa Banire emphasised that sustainable food systems depend on innovation, research, and strong policy implementation. He called for increased investments in agricultural technology, mechanisation, and rural infrastructure to enhance productivity and resilience against global challenges.

Panel discussions at the event identified key obstacles to food security in Nigeria, including gender inequality, poor governance, and rapid population growth. Speakers advocated for stronger policy frameworks to empower smallholder farmers, promote transparency in agricultural governance, and integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into modern farming.

The event concluded with a collective call to action, urging governments, institutions, and private stakeholders to collaborate in building a sustainable, hunger-free future for all.

In attendance were key University officials, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olukayode Akinyemi; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; and Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga. Also present were students, staff, and participants from several secondary schools, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS).