Universities Must Embrace Agribusiness, Students-Led Farming for Economic Growth — Dr. Abolore

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Kwara State, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has called on Nigerian universities to adopt agriculture-driven strategies for economic growth, financial sustainability and institutional resilience.

Dr. Abolore made this call while speaking virtually at the Public Lecture Series organized by the Kwara State  University (KWASU), Malete today. 

In his presentation, the Commissioner stressed the need for institutions to move beyond overreliance on government subventions. He identified agriculture, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure optimization as key avenues for generating income and building students capacity.

He urged universities to utilize idle land for commercial farming, establish student-inclusive cooperatives, set up agro-processing units, and offer tractor and equipment rental services.

Dr. Abolore also encouraged investment in campus-based infrastructure such as mini-hydropower and solar energy systems, which can reduce operational costs and support surrounding communities. He emphasized the need for dedicated innovation hubs to incubate student ventures and transform ideas into viable enterprises.

Highlighting the benefits of involving students in hands-on agribusiness initiatives, he noted that structured profit-sharing models can help students fund their education while gaining entrepreneurial experience.

Other potential income streams he outlined include research commercialization, alumni engagement, digital learning platforms, and short-term professional training services.

The Commissioner affirmed that these recommendations align with Kwara State’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritizes innovation, youth engagement, and sustainability. He noted that such institutional reforms are possible in Kwara due to the strategic leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose support for agriculture, education, and youth empowerment has created an enabling environment for progressive ideas to take root. This leadership, Dr. Alabi said, is positioning Kwara as a model for youth-driven development and university-community synergy.

The event was hosted by the University Librarian, Prof. Abdulsalam A. Salman, with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, serving as the Chief Host. Both officials reaffirmed KWASU’s commitment to innovative revenue models and academic excellence through practical, community-based strategies.

The virtual event drew participants from the academia, public sector, and student community, all committed to advancing a future where Nigerian universities serve as both centres of learning and engines of economic growth.

Ashaolu Omotola

Press Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

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