News in Brief:
– To combat food scarcity and boost revenue, the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti plans large-scale food production in collaboration with its School of Agriculture.
– This initiative aims to improve national food security and the institution’s revenue through ventures like bread and poultry production
The Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti has announced plans to begin large-scale food production to address food scarcity and generate additional revenue for the institution.
Temitope Alake, the institutionâs rector, revealed this initiative during a press conference marking his first year in office. He stated that the institution is equipped to embark on mass food production through collaboration with the School of Agriculture.
Specifically, the project aims to contribute to national food security amidst current economic challenges. Alake explained that the action will help in making food available for Nigerians and expressed confidence that the initiative, once successful, could potentially eliminate food scarcity.
Beyond its social impact, the project also seeks to boost the institution’s finances. Alake mentioned the revitalisation of the Polytechnic Venture, which will include the reintroduction of bread and poultry production, all aimed at increasing the institution’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
The rector also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative by donating tractors to enhance food cultivation on the institution’s extensive farmlands.
This development highlights the proactive approach taken by the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti in addressing both national food security concerns and its own financial sustainability.
In addition to providing food, if well executed, this initiative could see participating students graduate with money-making skills and practical enterprenuership experience. Recall that Nigeria’s agriculture minister, Abubakar Kyari, recently urged federal colleges of agriculture to shift their focus towards vocational and skills acquisition training programs in a bid to boost food production and ensure national food security. The polytechnic’s initiative is in line with this directive among the attendant benefits that it holds for students.
