By Abdullahi Lukman
Former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Emeritus Professor Kayode Soremekun, has urged Nigerian universities to play a more active role in tackling the country’s food security challenges by translating agricultural research into practical food production.
Speaking at a dinner organised in his honour at the end of a five-day visit to FUOYE, Soremekun said universities must move beyond classroom teaching and academic publications to embrace innovation-driven agriculture capable of improving food availability across the country.
“Nigeria must feed itself. We should not engage in academic agriculture alone. Your knowledge and research should translate into food on the tables of Nigerians,” he said.
The former vice-chancellor noted that both his successor and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE are professors of agriculture, describing it as a unique opportunity for the institution to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
He said universities such as FUOYE, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ibadan, Ekiti State University and the University of Lagos possess the expertise, research capacity and manpower needed to drive innovative agricultural practices that can boost food production nationwide.
Drawing inspiration from Israel, Soremekun observed that the country has achieved food sufficiency despite its harsh climatic conditions through sustained investment in research, technology and modern farming techniques.
He urged Nigerian universities to adopt similar approaches by converting research findings into practical solutions that benefit farmers and strengthen national food production.
Describing food security as a critical national priority, he called for stronger collaboration among universities, government, researchers and the private sector to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
Soremekun also stressed the need for universities to produce graduates equipped with practical skills and innovative ideas capable of addressing real-life challenges. While commending FUOYE’s progress, he maintained that institutions with strong agricultural programmes have a responsibility to contribute directly to national development through food production.
The former vice-chancellor praised the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, for the warm reception accorded him during the visit, expressing confidence in his leadership.
“You have been very good to me. I am confident you will succeed in this assignment,” he said, recalling their professional relationship, which began at Bowen University.
Earlier, Ogunwole highlighted the university’s achievements in infrastructure development, academic expansion, increased student enrolment and other milestones recorded under the institution’s current administration.
The dinner was attended by principal officers of the university, including the deputy vice-chancellors, registrar, bursar, deans, directors, union leaders and other members of the university community.
