FUNAAB VC Commissions 2,000-Acre Alumni Farm Hub to Boost Food Production

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has commissioned the 2,000-acre Alumni Farm Hub, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance food production, agricultural innovation, and sustainability.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on March 26, 2025, Prof. Kehinde lauded the FUNAAB Alumni Association for their vision and dedication to advancing agriculture. He referenced the University’s anthem, which highlights the significance of farming, science, and skill acquisition in national development. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University's full support for the initiative, assuring alumni of adequate security measures to ensure the project's success.

A distinguished Plant Breeder and Geneticist, Prof. Kehinde described the farm hub as a milestone in FUNAAB’s commitment to practical agricultural development and food security.

The Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed appreciation to the University Management for its support. He disclosed that the 2,000-acre farmland had been divided into 160 units of 12.5 acres each, complemented by a 45-kilometre road network. According to him, nearly half of the land has already been allocated, reflecting the high level of interest from investors and stakeholders.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, advised the Alumni Association to allocate the farmland to genuine farmers and prioritize sustainable land management practices.

Providing an overview of the farm operations, the Director of the FUNAAB Alumni Farm Hub, Rotarian Biodun Ajayi, assured stakeholders that a thorough land survey had been conducted to prevent encroachment and disputes. He encouraged investors to remain committed, emphasizing that farming investments often require patience before yielding returns.

The commissioning event attracted several dignitaries, including the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari, representing the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Representative of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Chairman of the Time-Table and Examinations Committee (TIMTEC), Engr. (Prof.) Pius Dada; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; and the Deputy Bursar I, Mr. Valentine Egbuna, representing the Bursar.

Also present were the Director of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources, and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Olusegun Idowu; Acting Director of the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), Dr. Emmanuel Bankole; Prof. Bayo Ayorinde; alongside investors, including Miss Yvonne Airewele, and several alumni members from within and outside the University.

The launch of the FUNAAB Alumni Farm Hub marks a significant milestone in the University’s commitment to agricultural innovation, food production, and sustainable development, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in agrarian advancement.