Bamidele Eleniola
Former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Emeritus Professor Kayode Soremekun has challenged Nigerian universities to take the lead in addressing the country’s food security crisis by embracing practical, innovation-driven agriculture rather than limiting agricultural education to classrooms and research publications.
“Nigeria must feed itself. We should not engage in academic agriculture alone. This is a challenge for you and other universities. Your knowledge and research should translate into food on the tables of Nigerians,” The former VC said.
Emeritus Professor Soremekun gave the charge during a dinner organised in his honour at the end of his five-day visit to the university
He noted that both the immediate past Vice-Chancellor and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE are professors of agriculture, describing it as a rare privilege that should translate into tangible contributions to Nigeria’s food security agenda.
According to the 3rd Vice Chancellor of the University, Institutions such as the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the University of Ibadan (UI), Ekiti State University (EKSU), and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) among others, possess the expertise, manpower, and research capacity to champion innovative agricultural practices capable of boosting food production across the country.
Drawing lessons from Israel, the Political scientist observed that despite its semi-arid climate and limited natural resources, the country has attained food sufficiency through technology, research, and deliberate investment in modern agriculture.
He urged Nigerian universities to emulate such models by translating research findings into practical agricultural solutions that directly impact farmers and increase food production.
Prof Soremekun described food security as one of the nation’s most urgent priorities, calling for stronger collaboration among universities, governments, researchers, and the private sector to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth and national development.
He added that universities must remain committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but are also equipped to solve real-life challenges through innovation, enterprise, and practical application of knowledge.
He commended the progress made by the university but stressed that institutions with strong agricultural capacities have an even greater responsibility to contribute meaningfully to national development through food production.
Emeritus Professor Kayode Soremekun commended the Vice-Chancellor for his generosity and warm reception, describing him as a gracious leader.
Addressing the Vice-Chancellor, he said, “You have been very good to me. I am confident you will succeed in this assignment.”
Recalling their longstanding relationship, Prof Soremekun added, “We met at Bowen University, and today we are meeting again. The third time will not be the last.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole highlighted the institution’s remarkable strides in infrastructure development, academic expansion, rising student enrolment, and other achievements recorded since he left as the third substantive Vice Chancellor of the invory tower.
Present at the dinner in honour of the former Vice Chancellor included; The Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Deputy Vice- Chancellor, ( Academics), Professor Babatunde Omotosho, Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( SPRIL), Professor Babatunde Afolabi, Registrar, Mr Mufutau Adesina Ibrahim; Bursar, Dr Mrs Adebolanle Debo-Ajagunna.
Others included; Former Head of Campus, Professor Olugbenga Amu; Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Chika Asogwa, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Prof Babatope Alabama, Senior Technical Assistant, Professor Adebola Aderibigbe; Director of JUPEB, Professor Dosu Malomo; Director, Innovation and Digital Technology, Prof Olushola Sunday AYANDA Union Leaders, Comrade Benjamin Faleye, SSANU, Comrade Adegun, NASU, Comrade GaniyyAfolabi, NANTS, Comrade Onilearo, NAAT, Director, VC’s Office, Mrs Oyeyimika Koyejo-Fasakin, Head. Academic Affairs Officer, Mrs Blessing Eyiolorunpe and among other scholars within the University
Photo credit: Bamidele Eleniola
