The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has received a ₦1 billion grant from the Federal Government to scale up its commercial agriculture project and strengthen research-based food production initiatives. The fund, approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 Special Intervention Programme for Agricultural Commercial Farms, represents one of the most significant federal allocations to a tertiary institution’s agricultural program in recent years.
The approval was formally conveyed to the university through a letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono. In the letter addressed to FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Echono stated that the allocation was made in accordance with the provisions of the TETFund Act of 2011 and forms part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance food security through academic-driven innovation.
“Further to the approval of the 2025 intervention budget by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and in line with the provisions of the TETFund Act, I hereby convey the allocation of the sum of one billion naira only for the Agricultural Commercial Farm in your institution,” the letter read. Echono emphasized that the grant is aimed at transforming FUTA’s commercial farm into a model for sustainable agribusiness and food production in Nigeria.
Strengthening Research-Driven Food Security
The initiative reflects the Tinubu administration’s renewed focus on integrating higher education and agricultural development to tackle Nigeria’s persistent food supply challenges. Under the Special Intervention Programme, selected universities are being equipped to become innovation hubs for commercial-scale farming, crop improvement, and value-chain development.
FUTA has long been recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions in agricultural technology and applied research. The new fund is expected to accelerate the university’s capacity to translate academic research into practical agricultural outcomes that benefit both farmers and the national economy.
Vice Chancellor’s Response
Reacting to the development, FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and TETFund for the intervention, describing it as a “major milestone” in the university’s journey toward agricultural excellence.
“This allocation is a further testament to FUTA’s relevance in tackling food insecurity in Nigeria,” she said. “FUTA is fully committed to providing innovative solutions through agricultural research and technology. We will ensure that the funds are judiciously used to expand our commercial farm operations and empower the local farming community.”
Professor Oladiji highlighted that FUTA’s Teaching and Research Farm has already made remarkable progress in developing and cultivating high-yield, pest-resistant F1 hybrid species of bell peppers and tomatoes. These improved varieties, developed by the university’s agricultural scientists, have proven to outperform traditional types in productivity, resilience, and shelf life.
“Our vegetable production center is ready to assist local farmers in adopting these improved species,” she added. “Beyond research, we aim to make a direct impact on food availability and quality in Nigeria.”
She further revealed that the university had recently doubled the number of trees in its palm plantation and commenced the construction of additional greenhouses to support vegetable cultivation and agro-technology training. “This fund will give new energy to our commercial farming activities,” she affirmed. “I can assure the President that FUTA will deliver on this mandate and make measurable contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.”
Driving Inclusive Agricultural Innovation
The ₦1 billion allocation underscores the Federal Government’s strategy to reposition tertiary institutions as key players in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. Through TETFund’s support, FUTA’s commercial farm will serve as a model for modern mechanized agriculture, agro-processing, and agribusiness incubation.
The university’s project aligns with national priorities to strengthen food self-sufficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote local production of key staples. It also supports the administration’s goal of attracting youth participation in agriculture through training, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
FUTA’s commercial farm was originally established as a hybrid teaching, research, and production center aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practice. With the new funding, the institution plans to expand its production capacity, enhance mechanization, and establish stronger linkages with smallholder farmers and agribusinesses across the Southwest region.
Analysts say the project could serve as a blueprint for other universities seeking to diversify revenue streams and foster industry-academic collaboration. By leveraging science, innovation, and public-private partnerships, FUTA’s initiative could help transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector from subsistence to commercial scale.
As the global demand for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture continues to grow, FUTA’s advancement in agritech and crop innovation positions it as a major player in shaping Nigeria’s food future. The N1 billion intervention fund, therefore, marks not just a boost for the university but a strategic step toward achieving national food sovereignty and economic diversification.
