VC HAILS AAUA’s INCLUSION IN FG’S N2B COMMERCIAL FARM FINANCING
The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has said the choice of the University among the tertiary institutions chosen by the federal government to establish commercial farms is another pointer to the high profile of the Ondo State-owned university.
It will be recalled that the federal government recently announced the choice of 40 tertiary institutions to be funded with N2b each for the establishment and cultivation of 1,000 hectares of commercial farms on their respective campuses.
In his reaction to the development, Prof. Obamuyi said not only has the choice of AAUA proved her standing in the comity of varsities in Nigeria and beyond, but has also facilitated the expansion of her capacity as a foremost agriculture-oriented university.
While commending the federal government for the move, he said it would contribute to the government’s vision of boosting food production, creating employment and reducing dependence on government funding by the institutions.
The VC said that AAUA has the required land, expertise, and determination to achieve the aims of the governmental vision.
While expressing confidence in the university’s Faculty of Agric to execute the vision, Prof. Obamuyi gave assurances that AAUA would adhere to the terms of the governmental vision and policy.
The federal government had announced plans to provide up to N2b in financing to each of 40 tertiary institutions to establish commercial farms, as part of efforts to boost food production, create employment and reduce dependence on government funding.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this during a meeting with heads of the selected institutions and the Management of the Bank of Agriculture to discuss the implementation of the Renewed Hope Tertiary Agricultural and Entrepreneurship Programme.
Under the arrangement, each participating institution would establish a limited liability company to partner with the Bank of Agriculture, which would provide between N1b and N2b in financing for agricultural production and related inputs.
