VC urges FG to invest in agric

ugust 18, 2015 : Femi Makinde 0 Comments    

 

Igbekele Ajibefun

The Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has said that better investment in agriculture will enhance food security in the country.

Ajibefun made the statement at a Humboldt International conference held at the Osun State University, Osogbo on Monday.

According to him, Nigeria will derive huge benefit from agriculture, which he described as one of the most important sectors in the country.

He said, “It is obvious that agriculture faces a lot of challenges in Nigeria. But rather than address the problem our government spends so much money on food importation.

“Nigeria needs to pay more attention to research in sciences and on how to improve agriculture in rural area. This will help farmers and the nation at large.”

Apart from enhancing food security, Ajibefun noted that investment in the sector would create more jobs in the country.

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The acting V-C of the Osun State University, Prof. Jelil Oguntola, who declared the conference open, particularly commended the workshop convener, Prof. Clement Adenooye, for his contributions towards expanding the frontiers of knowledge.

He said, “Last year the university through his research attracted a grant of $3m from Canada and another $5m this year to improve on research.

“So I implore that students in schools and colleges should make good use of the opportunity of the research foundation.

“We must provide mentorship for the upcoming students in schools and colleges in order to build the science world.”