FUTA Vice-Chancellor Urges Students to Embrace Agriculture as a Profitable Business Venture

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji, has called on undergraduates and young people interested in agriculture to develop innovative ideas that make farming more efficient, profitable, and sustainable.

She made the call during the flag-off of a compulsory agriculture course, CSP 210 – Farm Operations, for all 200-level students, which focused on maize planting for the 2025 season at the University Farms on 17th August 2025.

Professor Oladiji emphasized that innovation in farming is essential for food security and the growth of the agricultural sector. “Young people should begin to see agriculture not only as a vocation but also as a thriving business venture they can explore even during their undergraduate years. Through deliberate efforts and incentives by government and stakeholders, farming can become a profitable and attractive option,” she said.

Highlighting the objectives of the compulsory course, Professor Oladiji noted that it fosters communal labor, mutual cooperation, innovation, and unity among students. She encouraged them to consider agriculture-based business partnerships and to leverage the University’s Vegetable Production Centre, led by Professor Ayoola Olalusi of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, to learn modern farming techniques, particularly in green pepper production. She noted that peppers presented to the Governing Council during a recent meeting were sourced from the University’s greenhouse farm.

Professor Oladiji also revealed plans to expand the University’s greenhouse facilities from one to six by the end of the year to meet growing demand and provide more training opportunities for students. She affirmed FUTA’s commitment to food security and expressed readiness to partner with governments and organizations to make the institution’s agricultural expertise accessible to farmers and aspiring agripreneurs.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Oladele Adebayo, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), underscored the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria, given the nation’s growing population, and urged students to focus on the lessons of resilience and productivity despite the physical demands of farming.

The Head of Department, Professor Ewulo, commended the university management for promoting agricultural education and instilling values of hard work and diligence in students. He expressed optimism that the practical experience gained through the course would prove invaluable in shaping students’ future careers and ventures in agriculture.