Sustainable Farming Practices Can Eradicate Food Scarcity - FUTA VC
Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), emphasized the critical role of sustainable agriculture in addressing food scarcity in Nigeria.
UBA CHIDINMA 
Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), emphasized the critical role of sustainable agriculture in addressing food scarcity in Nigeria. Speaking at the commencement of the 2024 Farm Operations for Year II students participating in the Crop and Soil Pest (CSP) practical course, she highlighted the urgent need to revive farming practices.
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Food Abundance: Professor Oladiji stressed that sustainable agriculture would ensure an abundance of food to feed the Nigerian populace. She lamented the decline in annual crop cultivation due to people abandoning farming—a trend that has contributed to the country’s hunger crisis.
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Back to Farming: The Vice-Chancellor urged individuals to reconnect with farming, emphasizing that agriculture remains the backbone of any economy. Harmful practices endanger farmlands, and she called for their cessation. Even small-scale backyard farming, she asserted, could make a significant difference in feeding families and communities.
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FUTA’s Role: Professor Oladiji affirmed that FUTA students are well-prepared to be solution providers. The practical experience gained during the CSP course will enhance the institution’s reputation as a Center of Excellence in food security. Furthermore, it equips students to become agripreneurs, capable of thriving globally.
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Money from Farming: Addressing the students directly, she encouraged them not to abandon farming after the planting season. Instead, she emphasized the financial opportunities inherent in agriculture. FUTA’s rigorous training instills resilience, enabling students to excel anywhere in the world.
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Departmental Commitment: Professor Oladiji praised the department’s staff for sustaining the farming practice despite its challenges. Their dedication has already yielded results, with a successful maize harvest of six tons in the previous season.
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) recently kicked off its annual Farm Operations for Year II students participating in the Crop and Soil Pest (CSP) practical course. The event, organized by the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, aims to instill the positive benefits of farming in students and equip them with valuable skill sets.
The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) recently kicked off its annual Farm Operations for Year II students participating in the Crop and Soil Pest (CSP) practical course. The event, organized by the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, aims to instill the positive benefits of farming in students and equip them with valuable skill sets.
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Dean’s Perspective: Professor Oluwatooyin Oludahunsi, Dean of the School, emphasized the long-term impact of this practical experience. She believes that the skills acquired will benefit students both immediately and in their future endeavors. Furthermore, she highlighted the potential for students to make a positive impact on society through agriculture.
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Head of Department’s Vision: Professor Babatunde Ewulo, Head of the Department of Crop, Soil, and Pest, shared the program’s objectives. Beyond revitalizing students’ interest in agriculture, the initiative also contributes to revenue generation for the university. By fostering practical knowledge and hands-on experience, FUTA prepares students to be agripreneurs.
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Student Perspective: IfeOluwa Anota, a 200-level Industrial Design student, expressed enthusiasm about the course. For her, it’s an opportunity to expand her understanding of agricultural practices and explore diverse career paths related to farming.
