Ibadan is set to host the maiden National Legislative Summit and Expo on Agricultural Colleges and Research Institutions as stakeholders push for stronger collaboration, legislative reforms and research-driven innovations to enhance food security and job creation in Nigeria.
The summit, scheduled to hold between May 12 and 15 at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, is being facilitated by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
Themed, “Unfolding the Potentials of Agricultural Colleges and Institutions Through Collaboration and Innovation to Enhance Food Security and Job Creation,” the summit is expected to bring together agricultural research institutes, colleges, development partners, foreign embassies, policymakers, private sector operators and farmers from across the country.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour at the event regarded as the first legislative-driven national engagement focused specifically on agricultural colleges and research institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking during a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, ahead of the summit, Senator Alli who represents Oyo South senatorial district said the initiative was designed to bridge the existing disconnect between government institutions, farmers and agricultural research centres across the country.
The lawmaker explained that the summit became necessary following the committee’s retreat held in December in collaboration with heads of institutions, agencies and development partners.
According to him, the summit is aimed at strengthening the legislative framework guiding agricultural colleges and institutions, improving inter-agency collaboration and ensuring that research outcomes translate into practical benefits for farmers and the economy.
He noted that although Nigerian research institutes had developed several improved crop varieties and innovations, many local farmers remained unaware of the discoveries due to weak coordination and inadequate dissemination.
Alli cited improved cocoa seedlings capable of fruiting within 18 months compared to the traditional seven-year maturity cycle, alongside several improved cassava varieties developed through research.
He stressed that research remained central to food security, insisting that sustainable agricultural development could only be achieved through innovation, legislation and institutional support.
The senator further expressed concern over the declining state of agricultural institutions and research infrastructure despite Nigeria’s historical leadership in agriculture.
Drawing comparisons with Malaysia’s oil palm industry, he recalled that oil palm seedlings were originally taken from Nigeria decades ago, yet Malaysia had emerged as one of the world’s leading producers due to sustained investment, coordination and implementation.
Alli blamed part of Nigeria’s agricultural setbacks on poor policy implementation, inadequate funding for institutions and weak collaboration among stakeholders.
He also identified market instability, poor storage facilities and post-harvest losses as major challenges confronting farmers across the country.
According to him, the committee had begun partnerships with development organisations aimed at supporting farmers through mechanised land preparation, cultivation, harvesting and market access initiatives, particularly targeting youths and women.
He disclosed that solar-powered dryers had also been introduced in some communities to reduce post-harvest losses, improve food preservation and enhance value addition for agricultural products.
The lawmaker noted that over 28 agricultural institutions, alongside about 12 embassies and international development organisations, including the European Union, GIZ, the British High Commission and the Malaysian Embassy, were expected to participate in the summit.
He added that agricultural desk officers from several embassies would attend the event to explore opportunities for international partnerships, research collaboration and agricultural development support.
Alli called on journalists and media organisations to amplify conversations around agricultural research, institutional funding and food security in order to attract greater government and stakeholder support to the sector.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Akeem Abas, described the summit as a timely intervention capable of repositioning Nigeria’s agricultural institutions and strengthening food security.
Abas commended Senator Alli for what he described as visionary leadership and commitment to institutional reforms, noting that the summit could help reposition Nigeria as a major agricultural force in Africa.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as the first of its kind within Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
Atanda said the initiative would help strengthen the legislative framework guiding agricultural colleges and research institutions while improving coordination, visibility and sustainable development.
He noted that Nigerian research institutes possessed highly skilled researchers, administrators and internationally recognised innovations capable of competing globally if given adequate visibility and support.
According to him, the summit would provide a strategic platform for institutions to showcase innovations that had remained largely unknown despite their economic potential.
Similarly, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr. Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, stressed the need for stronger private sector participation in agricultural research funding and institutional revitalisation.
Rasheed maintained that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of restoring the lost glory of agricultural research institutions, urging stakeholders across the agricultural value chain to support ongoing reforms.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria still possessed the manpower and technical expertise required to compete with international best practices in agricultural research and development.
In his remarks, Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel, said there was an urgent need to rejig the activities of agricultural research institutes and colleges through legislation, collaboration and executive support.
Gabriel described the decision to host the summit in Ibadan as strategic given the city’s historical role in agricultural research and innovation dating back to the old Western Region.
He emphasised the need for stronger synergy among the federal and state governments, research institutions and the private sector to advance food production and national food security.
According to him, Nigeria possesses the research capacity and human resources required to feed its population if supported by effective policies, adequate legislation and proper implementation.
The summit is expected to feature policy dialogues, exhibitions, research presentations and strategic discussions centred on food security, research commercialisation, youth empowerment, mechanisation, international partnerships and sustainable agricultural development.
