By Faridat Salifu
Twenty-five final-year students of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, have received research grants under the Nigeria Food Security Scholars Programme aimed at advancing solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.
The recent initiative, driven by the Nigerian Food Security Project, awarded the beneficiaries project-based grants totalling N3.211 million alongside certificates of participation to support research in areas including food security, agricultural supply chains, climate resilience, post-harvest loss reduction and sustainable food systems.
The presentation ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, faculty members and other stakeholders within the institution.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Nigerian Food Security Project, Ajibola Oladiipo, said the programme was designed to ensure that research from tertiary institutions directly contributes to addressing food security challenges in the country.
He explained that the initiative seeks to encourage students to align their academic work with practical, real-world agricultural solutions, adding that the organisation is committed to funding and scaling commercially viable innovations.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Akeem Oyerinde, said the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to tackle food insecurity through research and innovation.
According to him, 25 outstanding students were selected to receive support to research issues including women and youth participation in agriculture and post-harvest loss reduction.
He noted that the students have been grouped into thematic research clusters and are already carrying out studies expected to generate practical insights for the agricultural sector.
Oyerinde added that it was the first time such support was being provided in the university, describing it as impactful for both students and the institution.
Under the programme, the students will conduct their research under faculty supervision and benefit from quarterly coaching and review sessions organised by the Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub.
The Nigerian Food Security Project, an initiative of the SCRIH, focuses on advancing agricultural research, innovation and human capital development aimed at strengthening food security and reducing post-harvest losses across Nigeria.
