The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace agriculture with creativity and innovation, saying farming can become a profitable business venture and not just a tradition.
Speaking at the flag-off of a compulsory agriculture course for all 200-level students of the institution, CSP 210: Farm Operations, held on August 17, 2025, at the University Farms, Professor Oladiji challenged undergraduates to see agriculture as an opportunity for enterprise, sustainability, and national food security.
“Innovation in farming is not merely a choice; it is an imperative,” she said. “By harnessing the power of innovation, we can ensure food security, promote sustainability, and build a more resilient agricultural sector. Young people should begin to see agriculture as a worthy vocation and business venture, even from their undergraduate days.”
Professor Oladiji stressed that deliberate efforts by government and stakeholders are needed to encourage youths to pursue agriculture as a profitable career. She explained that the compulsory course promotes communal labour, cooperation, and innovation, encouraging students to form agriculture-based business partnerships that can grow beyond the classroom.
Highlighting FUTA’s strides in modern agriculture, she noted the University’s successful Vegetable Production Centre under Professor Ayoola Olalusi, which has pioneered greenhouse cultivation of green peppers. The produce, she said, has already attracted strong demand nationwide.
“We are expanding our greenhouses from one to six before the end of the year because the market is waiting for us,” she added. “We want to train more young people and ensure they are ready to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Professor Oladiji affirmed that FUTA is committed to food security and open to partnerships with government and organizations to transfer knowledge to farmers and agripreneurs across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), Professor Oladele Adebayo, reminded students that agriculture sustains Nigeria’s large population, urging them to focus on resilience and productivity rather than the drudgery often associated with farming.
Similarly, the Head of Department of Crop, Soil, and Pest Management, Professor Ewulo, praised FUTA’s commitment to instilling hard work and innovation in students. He expressed optimism that the hands-on training would prove invaluable in their future careers.
